The boxing world pays tribute to Darren Sutherland
The great thing about Darren was that he was extremely cheerful. Most people coming up to a major contest are on edge but Darren wasn’t that type
Joe Kirwan, former secretary and vice-president of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association
I am devastated at the sudden death of Darren. He was a great athlete, a close friend and a role model for any aspiring athlete. Darren was one of the hardest working and dedicated people I ever trained alongside. I will always remember rooming with him on many of our international trips with the Irish team. My thoughts are with his family and friends
Kenny Egan, a silver medallist in Beijing
A terrible loss for the boxing fraternity. And most of all it’s an incredible loss for the family, the mother and father and his sisters. It’s incomprehensible how they will deal with this type of issue. We’ll certainly miss him
John Treacy, Irish Sports Council chief executive
They’re all in desperate shock. It’s a tragedy for all concerned
President of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association Dominic O’Rourke, on the devastation felt by his peers in the Irish amateur boxing scene
It is very, very sad news – I just can’t believe it. It is a tragedy. First and foremost, my heart goes out to his family. He was a big part of my Olympic medal journey, and it is just terrible. I just do not know what to say except that he was a brilliant fighter, and he was a gentleman outside the ring as well. He had an Olympic bronze medal, and his whole life to look forward to
Britain’s James DeGale, the man who denied him bettering his bronze in Beijing and with whom a professional reunion was eagerly anticipated
He was the life and soul of the Irish Olympic squad, a guy with a terrific personality and attitude. He was simply a superb individual who had time for everyone
Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland
I would describe Darren as a phenomenal talent. He represented his country with pride and I believe he would have become a world champion
Former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan
Compiled by CARL O'MALLEY