Pete Taylor Speaks Out For The First Time Since Attack At Bray Boxing Gym

Darragh Berry

The Irish Times has revealed the first words that Pete Taylor has spoken since the brutal attack at a gym in Bray which injured two and fatally injured another.

Taylor admitted he was “devastated by the senseless murder” of his friend Robert Messett and was “utterly heartbroken”.

“Words will never explain my excruciating anguish and devastation at the horrific, senseless attack at Bray Boxing Club. Bobby was my close friend, training partner and sparring mate. I am utterly heartbroken that he is gone.

“To Bobby’s family and the members of Bray Boxing Club who are my extended family, I express more sorrow than you may ever know or can believe.”

Ian Britton, a 35-year-old from Greystones in Co Wicklow was at the gym for the morning workout alongside Taylor (57) when the attack took place. He too was seriously injured in the attack but told The Sunday World today that “I’m doing fine… I’m alive” and that “poor Bobby was killed just because he was nearest the gunman.”

Katie Taylor’s dad Pete Taylor was among three men who were shot at Bray Boxing Club on Tuesday morning, one was fatally injured.

Pete Taylor was in fact the intended target of the gunman according to Gardaí.

Katie has since released a full statement regarding the attack where she urged “the media to leave me, my Mum and other family members out of this story.”

Following this, another tragic incident took place in Bray over the weekend.

Gardaí at Bray are investigating an incident which occurred on Main St, Bray, Co Wicklow at approximately 2am on Saturday June 9th.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene outside a hotel on Bray’s Main Street.

A 45-year-old male was found unconscious and had a serious head injury. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital for treatment, he was subsequently pronounced dead in the early hours of Sunday, 10th June, at Beaumont hospital.

Gardaí are currently investigating all aspects of this incident to establish the facts. The scene was sealed off to facilitate a Garda forensic examination.

A post mortem will be carried out later today by Dr Michael Curtis.

Witnesses or anyone with anyone with information is asked to contact Bray Garda Station on 01- 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Main image via: OCI YouTube