"We had a special bond": Tributes paid after death of former Moate boxing coach Seamus Dorrington

Seamus Dorrington, a Moate man who achieved tremendous success with Joe Ward and others as a boxing coach in the town, has died at the age of 83.

The Baltrasna, Moate, man had been battling illness in recent times and passed away this morning (Monday), surrounded by his family, in the wonderful care of the staff at the South Westmeath Hospice in Athlone.

Warm tributes have today been paid to Seamus, who was renowned as "a true gentleman" and someone who always had the best interests of young people at heart.

His contribution to the community and the sporting life of this area was celebrated in 2010 when he was one of the recipients of the Athlone People of the Year awards.

Joe Ward first entered Moate Boxing Club at the age of seven, and, although boys that young were technically not allowed to join the club, Seamus agreed to make an exception in this case after noticing Joe's natural talent on the punching bag.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this evening, Joe spoke about the "special bond" he shared with Seamus.

"He was just a wonderful man, a great coach, and a father figure to me as well. He was just an all-round good person," said Joe.

"We always had a great relationship, and travelled all over Ireland together. It was great to have him be a part of my career and great to get to spend that time with him over the years.

"Seamus would make time for everybody, and he would treat everybody the same. I remember there would be some great boxers in the club (in Moate) but Seamus would give the same level of attention to someone who just walked in through the door. That's the sort of person he was.

"He was always there to help people, give them advice, and try to guide them as best he could. I often saw him talking to people outside of boxing, and he would give them a bit of advice and try to put them on the right road," Joe added.

"He was just a really nice, genuine guy who loved sport, loved meeting people, and loved giving back. I never heard anybody say a bad word about him, or heard him speak a bad word about anybody."

During his working life, Seamus spent four decades as a porter at the Bank of Ireland branch in Moate.

When asked, in 2016, about how he became a boxing coach, he explained that he had boxed for the Moate club himself, from the age of 11 up to his mid-20s.

"A few months after I retired, I decided to take on a coaching role. It was the best decision I ever made," he said.

Though he retired from coaching in 2010, his friendship with Joe Ward endured in the years since, and he became Godfather to one of Joe's children.

"He was years ahead of his time as regards coaching," said Joe. "He understood boxing, and understood the individual, which is something I admire now looking back on it, especially being a coach myself at Athlone Boxing Club. He was definitely a special man."

Seamus was predeceased by his parents Michael and Margaret, and brother Michael. He is sadly missed by his sister Mary, her partner Patsy, sister-in-law Bernie nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Seamus will be reposing at Flynn's Funeral Home, Moate, tomorrow (Tuesday) from 5pm to 6.45pm. Removal will then take place to St Patrick's Church, Moate, arriving at 7pm for funeral prayers.

His funeral Mass will take place in St Patrick's Church, Moate, at noon on Wednesday, with burial afterwards in Kilcurley Cemetery, Tubber.

May he rest in peace.