Paul, The Irish Drago, died on January 1 after a short illness.
Family, friends and a large gathering from the local community gathered for the service at St Luke’s Church to honour his memory, before a burial took place in Milltown Cemetery.
Among those in attendance at the service to pay their respects were some of the biggest names in local boxing, including Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes and Steven Ward.
Fr Nideesh Varghese began the service by acknowledging the 25 year old’s short life.
“Paul’s life was far too short by our human measure. There were plans still unfolding, laughter yet to be shared, love yet to be given,” he said.
“Paul’s life, though short, was rich, meaningful, and full.”
Mourners gather at the family home of Paul “The Irish Drago” McCullagh in Dunmurry as friends, relatives and members of the boxing community pay their final respects following his death on 1 January 2026.Photo: Kirth Ferris / Pacemaker Press
Undefeated as a professional, the boxer came from a family steeped in the sport, with his father a former amateur champion and later a referee.
“Boxing shaped Paul’s discipline and determination,” Fr Varghese added.
“Inspired by his father and grandfather, he carried forward a proud family legacy.
“Training alongside his grandfather, father, uncles, and cousins meant more to him than any title or victory. Boxing taught Paul how to fight — but more importantly, it taught him respect, commitment, and heart.”
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 6th January 2026Boxer Carl Frampton pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The priest praised Paul’s maturity and compassion.
“Paul carried an old soul within a young heart. He was known as a gentle giant — strong yet tender, disciplined yet playful.
“He noticed when people were struggling. He never passed a stranger without a smile.
“He lifted rooms simply by entering them. He loved music, laughter, coffee, and life itself — and he shared that love generously.”
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 6th January 2026Boxer Steven Ward pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
During the service Fr Varghese spoke directly to the McCullagh family.
“Paul was a beautiful son who gave his parents love and pride beyond measure. From them he learned strength, loyalty, and faith.
“As a brother to Shauna, Jemma, and Sarah Louise, he was so much more than a sibling — he was a companion, a best friend, a protector.
“Their bond was one of joy, laughter, competitiveness, and deep love, from poolside ‘Superman throws’ to karaoke battles where Paul would do whatever it took to win — even singing Leona Lewis or Ariana Grande.”
He also spoke about Paul’s love for his partner and her son.
“[In Lanzarote] he met Yoli, the love of his life, and Dario, to whom Paul became the greatest father figure. Paul embraced family life with pride and seriousness, never taking that role lightly,” he said.
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 6th January 2026
Funeral of Paul McCullagh Jnr at St LukeÕs Church in Twinbrook, west Belfast. The 25-year-old boxer passed away after a short illness.
The coffin arrives at the church.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Paul won his first title in 2012 and represented Ireland against Holland in 2019.
He fought out of St John Bosco ABC in west Belfast, as well as the family’s own McCullagh’s ABC.
“Of all the titles Paul carried, the most important were son, brother, partner, father, and uncle — especially proud uncle to little Shea,” Fr Varghese said.
Paul’s late grandfather was also a prominent fighter and coach who mentored world champion Barry McGuigan, who earlier this week offered his “deepest condolences” to the McCullagh family.
“Inspired by his grandfather’s example, Paul gave back by coaching at McCullaghs ABC. He wanted young people to believe in themselves. He passed on not just skills, but values — discipline, respect, confidence, and hope,” Fr Varghese said.
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 6th January 2026 Boxer Paddy Barnes pictured at the funeral. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Fr Varghese said Paul’s faith remained strong following his shocking diagnosis.
“At the heart of Paul’s life was faith. A quiet but deep faith. A faith nurtured through prayer, through his prayer group, and through his devotion to Our Lady. Paul loved the Rosary. He trusted God.
“And when the ultimate test came — when Paul was told he had leukaemia — his response revealed the depth of that faith. Looking at his parents, he said: “It’s in God’s hands now.
“Paul was not afraid of death, because he believed heaven was real and beautiful. Yet like the boxer he was, he was ready to fight if given the chance. God’s plans were different, and though we struggle to understand them, we entrust Paul now to God’s mercy.
“He fought with courage. He ran his race with integrity. He kept the faith.”
Mourners gather at the family home of Paul “The Irish Drago” McCullagh in Dunmurry as friends, relatives and members of the boxing community pay their final respects following his death on 1 January 2026. – Photo: Kirth Ferris / Pacemaker Press
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Fr Varghese ended the homily by praying for “all who loved” Paul.
“Paul, in his own way, was a light — a light of kindness, joy, faith, and love. That light has not been extinguished. It has been transformed.
“Paul’s life has ended, but his love has not. His faith has not. His light has not.”
Paying tribute on Facebook ahead of the funeral, Paul McCullagh Sr wrote: “My beautiful son, just tipping the pads. Please watch until the end where his smile just fills the room. My heart will be empty never having that gift again, his amazing smile. Thank you, Lord, for gifting me him as my child. Signed, a super proud father.”