A fundraiser set up for Dublin hero and Olympic boxer Emmet Brennan has been closed with donors set to be refunded after a sponsor came to the athlete's aid.
The Dubliner broke the nation's hearts during his emotional interview with RTE after his Round of 32 defeat to World Championship silver medal winner Dilshodbek Ruzmetov in the men's 81kg light-heavyweight division.
Following the fight, a GoFundMe page was set up by one of Brennan's supporters, hoping to raise money to pay off the fighter's credit union loans he took out to fund his training leading up to Tokyo.
A whopping €3,000 was raised in just 18 hours before the fundraiser closed.
Thankfully, one of Brennan's sponsors has come on board and paid off the boxer's debt.
As soon as the Olympian found out about this, he took to social media to thank those who donated and promised they will be refunded as soon as possible.
Brennan said on Twitter: "I am aware there has been a gofundme page set up for me to pay back a loan I took out to fund my training.
"I did not set up or have anything to do with the gofundme page, although it was set up in good faith.
"The loan has been paid back in full by a sponsor of mine.
"I appreciate everyone putting money into this, but I cannot accept this. I am trying to get everyone refunded as soon as possible."
David Monaghan, who organised the fundraiser, confirmed on the GoFundMe page that all donors will be refunded in 3-7 working days.
He said: "Thank you so much everyone for the support and Emmet messaged to say that he was blown away by the support he's received.
"GoFundMe have confirmed that refund will be issued within 24 hours, and all donors will receive their money back in 3-7 business days."
Brennan touched the nation's hearts in his emotional interview with RTE after Sunday's fight.
He revealed to the broadcaster that he had fought a number of injuries over the past six months.
"The lads know I've been injured for six months. It's tough, it's the biggest fight of your life and your body lets you down.
"Elbow, shoulder, ribs. I got a smack in the ribs at the end of the first round there."
A tearful Brennan also expressed how appreciative he is of the support he has received back in Dublin.
"It's been unreal. I never thought I'd get this far. It's heartbreaking."
