WORLD BOXING champion Katie Taylor returns home to a hero’s welcome to Dublin today after winning her third successive world title in Barbados at the weekend.
President Mary McAleese and Taoiseach Brian Cowen led tributes to the Bray boxer who comfortably defeated her Chinese opponent in the final of the 60kg category on Saturday.
Taylor, together with the rest of the Irish team, is due to arrive at Dublin airport at 4pm today on a connecting flight from London Gatwick.
The President congratulated Taylor on her outstanding achievement and said all Irish people could be immensely proud of her “remarkable sporting feat” in winning three successive world titles.
Mr Cowen described her triumph as a fantastic achievement by one of Ireland’s greatest athletes. “Katie’s victory is her third world title and once again she has done Ireland proud. She is undoubtedly one of our finest ever sports stars and her skill, bravery and commitment have brought Katie great success in the ring.”
The 23-year-old outscored Cheng Dong of China, whom she beat in the 2008 final, by 18 points to five in a contest where the result was never in doubt. Her victory, her 100th in 106 starts since 2001, was rapturously received by a sizeable Irish contingent.
Minister for Sport Mary Hanafin said Taylor’s performance was hugely impressive in both the quarter and semi-finals and her victory in the final provided “yet another great moment in Irish sport”.
“Through her outstanding boxing achievements at international level, she has been a wonderful ambassador for Irish sport and a shining role model for young Irish sportspeople.”
Ms Hanafin also congratulated her coaches Peter Taylor and Zuar Antia and the other members of the management team of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.
State funding since 2003 for the IABA’s high performance programme had contributed significantly to the dramatic improvement in the performance and results of Irish boxers, she said.
Labour TD for Wicklow Liz McManus said Taylor must now be considered among the greatest Irish sports figures. “Katie has never let success go to her head and she remains as much of a role model and inspiration to youngsters as ever. The people of Bray are quite rightly proud of this great woman.”
Denis O’Brien meanwhile has confirmed his telecoms company Digicel will sponsor Taylor for the next three years.
