BOXING Minister Congratulates Taylor

Mary Hanafin, TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport has congratulated Katie Taylor on her successful quest to win her third AIBA World Championships Lightweight title in a row.

Congratulating Taylor, Minister Hanafin TD said: "On behalf of the Irish people I am delighted to congratulate Katie on winning her third successive AIBA World Championship medal. Her performance was hugely impressive in both the quarter and semi finals and her magnificent victory today has provided yet another great moment in Irish sport".

"Katie has already secured for herself a permanent place in Irish sporting history. Through her outstanding boxing achievements at international level, Katie has been a wonderful ambassador for Irish sport and a shining role model for young Irish sportspeople. Once again Katie has done herself, her coaches, her family, her club, and her country proud. I would like to congratulate her coaches Peter Taylor and Zuar Antia and all the other members of the IABA management team. I wish Katie every success in all her future endeavours."

Minister Hanafin added, "Since 2003, funding from the Irish Sports Council, under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport has enabled the Irish Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) to put in place a high performance programme. This programme and the support of everybody involved have contributed significantly to Ireland's boxers' performances and results improving dramatically in this period."