Darcy Heeney

Arthur John "Darcy" Heeney (22 April 1916 – 19 December 1941) was a New Zealand boxer, who won a silver medal for his country at the 1938 British Empire Games. He died during World War II, when the ship in which he was serving, HMS Neptune, struck enemy mines off the coast of Libya.

Early life and family Born in Gisborne on 22 April 1916, Heeney was the son of John Henry Heeney and Marguerite Violet Kohi Heeney (née White). He was of Irish and Māori descent, affiliating to the Ngāti Awa iwi. becoming the first amateur fighter in New Zealand to defend his title twice consecutively. He reached the final, but lost on points to the Australian fighter, Bill Smith.

By February 1940, when Heeney enlisted in the Royal Navy, he had had 27 wins and five losses in his 32 amateur fights.

Other sports Heeney was an accomplished rugby union player, and captained the Colts team from halfback. winning the Poverty Bay senior championship in 1939. and "useful cyclist".

World War II service and death Following his enlistment in the Royal New Zealand Navy in February 1940, Heeney travelled to England and qualified as an engine room artificer, before serving in destroyers. In early 1941, he transferred to the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, He was killed in action on 19 December 1941 when the Neptune struck four mines about 20 miles from Tripoli.

Legacy In 2014, Heeney was inducted into the Sport Gisborne Legends of Sport hall of fame.