‘A shining light’ Barry McGuigan pens emotional tribute to late daughter Danika

"Our hearts are broken and we know that life will never be the same again for us."

Barry McGuigan has penned an emotional tribute to his late daughter Danika. The 33-year-old actor passed away last week, following a "brief but brave battle against cancer." The former featherweight world champion shared a tribute to his "amazing" daughter this evening, writing that saying goodbye to her was "the most difficult thing I've ever had to do." "She has been a shining light in our family's lives for the past 33 years," he said. "Nika was an extremely talented and inspirational young lady who radiated kindness and love." https://twitter.com/ClonesCyclone/status/1157352624137605121?s=20 "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." Danika passed away last Tuesday, July 23. In a statement issued via her acting agency last week, the McGuigan family confirmed her passing, saying: "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Danika "Nika" McGuigan. "After a brief but brave battle against cancer, Nika passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 July, surrounded by her loving family. As a family we are devastated and ask for complete privacy during this difficult period to allow us to grieve for our Nika". Danika has appeared in several film, television and theatre productions - most notably, she starred alongside Rooney Mara in Jim Sheridan's adaptation of The Secret Scripture and featured in the RTÉ series Can't Cope, Won't Cope.