Explainers

BARRY McGuigan, the renowned Irish former professional boxer and current boxing trainer and promoter, is married to Sandra Mealiff.He’s taking on the challenge of surviving in the Australian jungle on I’m A Celebrity 2024 — here’s everything we know about his wife and family.Barry McGuigan, his wife Sandra Mealiff and their late daughter DanikaCredit: Getty Images – GettyWho is Barry McGuigan’s wife Sandra Mealiff?Sandra Mealiff comes from a Protestant background, while Barry McGuigan is Catholic, which is significant in the context of Northern Ireland’s religious divisions.Their interfaith marriage held symbolic importance during the tumultuous period of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, as it represented unity and love transcending sectarian divides.Speaking about this period in 2008, Barry told the Times: “I remember feeling a responsibility to create a harmonious situation: I wasn’t going to cause any more trouble and strife.”I was a Catholic Irishman fighting for the British title; my wife was a Protestant.read more on barry mcguigan”For the British title fight in 1983 [when Barry defeated Vernon Penprase for the featherweight belt], I wanted to wear neutral colours, so I decided on the UN flag colours of peace.”My dad sang Danny Boy, which became a unifying song.”It was crucial that people who came to see me fight didn’t feel threatened. I had amazing partisan support.”From childhood sweethearts to spousesThe couple’s relationship began in their youth.Most read in BoxingBarry said: “[Sandra and I] grew up together, buddies from kids.”They tied the knot on December 14, 1981 — however no details about their big day have been reported.Barry McGuigan’s actress daughter Danika dies aged 30 after ‘brief but brave’ battle with cancerThe marriage took place when Barry was 20 years old, showing the couple’s deep commitment to each other from a young age.First homeIn 1982, at the age of 21, Barry took out a mortgage on his first home with Sandra. The house had a unique location, straddling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.Barry said: “In 1982, I was in the embryonic stages of my career, so for a 21-year-old to take out a mortgage on his own house was really something.”It was a lovely bungalow in the border area of the Republic of Ireland — next to a lake in Clones, Co Monaghan, where I had lived my whole life.”KidsBarry and Sandra McGuigan have four children: Danika, Shane, Jake, and Blain.Barry Mcguigan pictured with his wife Sandra and children Danika, Shane, Jake and Blaine at their Kent home in 1987Credit: Rex FeaturesDanikaDanika, also known as Nika, was the couple’s only daughter.Born in 1986, she pursued a career in acting and appeared in several films and TV shows including Wildfire (2020), Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope (2016), Traders (2015) and Philomena (2013).Danika tragically passed away on July 23, 2019 at the age of 33, following a brief battle with cancer.She had previously overcome leukemia as a child, but succumbed to a more aggressive form of cancer later in life.On August 2, 2019, Barry shared an old photo of himself and his daughter, paying an emotional tribute to Danika.He wrote: “The most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do was to say goodbye to my amazing daughter Nika earlier this week.Barry McGuigan received an MBE in 1994 for services to boxingCredit: PA:Press Association”She has been a shining light in our family’s lives for the past 33 years.”Nika was an extremely talented and inspirational young lady who radiated kindness and love.”Our hearts are broken and we know that life will never be the same again for us.”However, Nika lives on in so many parts of our lives which we are grateful for.”I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who sent flowers, cards, Mass cards, Instagram messages, Facebook, Twitter, texts and email messages of condolences and support.”There are simply too many to answer individually so I want to use this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you, the family greatly appreciate them.”Barry’s heartbreaking tribute to his late daughter DanikaCredit: Social mediaShaneShane, born on November 8, 1988, has followed in his father’s footsteps in the boxing world.He has become a renowned boxing trainer, working with high-profile fighters including Carl Frampton, David Haye and George Groves. Shane’s success as a trainer has earned him recognition in the boxing community, continuing the McGuigan legacy in the sport.Following the heartbreaking passing of his sister, Shane wrote on Instagram: “My beautiful sister Danika lost her battle with cancer. She overcame it once with a two-year fight.”We were privileged to have another 20 years with our amazing Nika.”The McGuigan family pictured in 2003Credit: PA:Press AssociationJake and BlainWhile less is publicly known about Jake and Blain, they are also part of the close-knit McGuigan family.The family has generally maintained privacy regarding their personal lives.Jake reportedly studied business in London, while Blain is a politics graduate who is involved with music.Current residenceThe McGuigan family left their border home in Clones and moved to Kent, England in 1987.In 2008, Barry said: “It was in 1987, after I had lost my title [against Stevie Cruz] in Las Vegas, the year my father died, that I decided to move the family to England. It was a bit of a wrench.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve been back to see the [Clones] house several times. The roads are no longer barricaded, and now I’m involved in integrated eduction, which is the way forward.”It’s important to me that there is harmony and bonding between people.” More