Hugh Russell: funeral of boxing champion and award-winning photographer held in Belfast

Mourners included boxers Carl Frampton and Paddy Barnes

Hugh Russell whose funeral took place in Belfast today
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 18th Oct 2023
Last updated 18th Oct 2023

The funeral of Olympic boxing legend and award-winning Irish News photographer, Hugh Russell, has taken place in Belfast.

The 63-year-old died last Friday after a short illness.

Mourners attending the funeral today (Wednesday) to St Patrick's Church in Donegall Street, included boxers Carl Frampton and Paddy Barnes.

Olympian, Dame Mary Peters was also in attendance.

Boxer Carl Frampton was among the mourners at Hugh Russell's funeral

He made his name in the boxing ring as a young man, winning bronze medals at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton and the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, both in the flyweight division.

Paddy Barnes who was attending Hugh Russell's funeral today in Belfast

As a professional he claimed British and Irish bantamweight and flyweight titles.

He was also the well-known photographer for the Irish News and had worked there for more than 40 years.

Hugh is survived by his wife Kathy; children, Hugh, Hayley, James and Calum, and grand-children Aodhan, Archie, Charlie and Freya.

Hugh Russell's coffin carried into St Patrick's Church in Belfast