Tony Byrne, who boxed out of the Tredagh BC in Drogheda, won lightweight bronze at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne after losing out to Harry Kurschat of United Germany on a split decision in the semi-finals.
A few months after that defeat, Byrne beat Great Britain’s Dick McTaggart, who beat Kurschat in the Olympic final, in an England v Ireland international at the Royal Albert Hall.
Ronnie Delaney claimed gold at the 1956 Olympics, while Byrne’s team-mates on the Irish boxing team, Fred Tiedt, John Caldwell and
Fred Gilroy, won silver and two bronze medals.
Byrne originally from Drogheda emigrated to Canada in the 1960s.
The Olympic Council of Ireland extend deepest sympathy to the Byrne family and friends.
RIP
