WATCH Hundreds gather at city vigil to support popular fighter following serious injury in Dublin bout

Hundreds of people gathered at Harvey’s Quay in Limerick city on Friday night for a special community vigil organised in honour of Limerick boxer Lee Reeves. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Limerick Boxer Lee Reeves Remains in Critical but Stable Condition as Community Unites in Hope

The Limerick community has come together in a powerful show of support for Limerick boxer Lee Reeves, who remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital following a serious injury sustained during a professional bout in Dublin.

Hundreds of people gathered at Harvey’s Quay in Limerick city on Friday night for a special community vigil organised in honour of the popular 31-year-old fighter from Roxboro.

Named “Night of Hope for Lee”, the event brought together family, friends, supporters and members of the wider community, with prayers being offered for the boxer’s recovery.

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While bright sunshine shone over the gathering, the atmosphere remained sombre as those present reflected on the difficult circumstances facing Reeves and his family.

Candles were lit along the quayside as members of the community joined together in prayer and solidarity, hoping for positive news about the fighter’s condition.

Reeves was seriously injured during his bout against Gary Cully at Dublin’s 3Arena on Saturday, August 1. Following the incident, he was taken to hospital, where he underwent surgery.

He was subsequently placed in a medically induced coma as doctors worked to give him the best possible opportunity to recover from his injuries.

The latest update has left his supporters continuing to hope for signs of improvement, with messages of encouragement being shared widely throughout Limerick and beyond.

Reeves is particularly well known in his home city not only for his boxing career but also for his kindness, generosity and commitment to helping others.

He is an ambassador for Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention, a charity with which he has worked closely. Reeves has regularly joined volunteers on patrols along the banks of the River Shannon, helping to support people who may be experiencing difficult moments.

The charity played a leading role in Friday night’s vigil and highlighted the remarkable contribution Reeves has made to the community over the years.

“Lee has spent years giving hope to others and now, it’s our turn to give hope back,” the organisation said.

That message was reflected throughout the evening as people gathered to remember Reeves, offer prayers for his recovery and show their support for his family.

The outpouring of public support has also extended online, with more than €100,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign established to support Reeves and his family during what has been an incredibly difficult period.

The fundraising effort has demonstrated the affection in which Reeves is held by people across Limerick and further afield.

Friends and supporters have continued to describe him as someone who has consistently put others first and used his profile to raise awareness for causes close to his heart.

For many at Friday night’s vigil, the gathering was about more than simply marking a difficult moment. It was an opportunity for the community to stand together and return some of the hope and support Reeves has offered to others throughout his life.

As he continues his recovery in hospital, the thoughts and prayers of the Limerick community remain firmly with Lee, his family and those caring for him.

The community now waits for further updates on his condition, united in the hope that the popular boxer will make a full recovery.

You can support Limerick boxer Lee Reeves and his family through the GoFundMe fundraiser HERE.