A preliminary hearing occurred ahead of an inquest into the death of boxer John Cooney. The 28-year-old from Galway died a week after a head injury sustained in a fight at Ulster Hall in Belfast in February 2025.

Cooney received treatment at Royal Victoria Hospital for an intracranial haemorrhage. His family, represented by KRW Law, seeks examination of safety regulations in boxing. They aim for the inquest to address Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding state responsibilities for life-threatening activities.

Hugh Cooney, the boxer's father, attended the hearing via video link. Coroner Anne-Louise Toal reviewed preparations, including disclosure requests to the British Boxing Board of Control, Kingsbridge, and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, plus a request for footage.

Barrister Mark Bassett, representing the next of kin, proposed that the inquest assess regulatory adequacy under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Toal stated she had not decided the inquest's scope at this stage.

The British Boxing Board of Control and referee Darren Sarginson will participate as interested parties, alongside Cooney's family. A further preliminary hearing is scheduled for 6 May.