BOXING ISC Congratulates Katie Taylor on her World title

Irish Sports Council Congratulates Katie Taylor on her World title

The Irish Sports Council today (Nov 23rd 2006) congratulated Ireland’s first ever amateur boxing World Champion Katie Taylor on her remarkable success in New Delhi, India.

The 20 year old Bray fighter, who only retained her European crown in September produced a stunning series of performances to take gold in the lightweight category (60kg).

Taylor, who has also played on the Irish Women’s senior soccer team, defeated the American, Finnish and Romanian champions before taking the reigning champion; Tatyana Chalaya of Russia, out in the semi-final. The manner of her victory over the Argentinean in the final was particularly impressive; taking the crown with a seventeen point cushion.

ISC Chief Executive John Treacy said: “It was only a couple of months ago we were celebrating Katie’s European Championship title win and now this; it’s a remarkable achievement, especially at twenty years of age. She had worked incredibly hard to realise her dream supported all the way by a magnificent team in her father, Peter; her coach, and as part of the IABA’s high performance set up led by Gary Keegan. She is a truly outstanding Irish athlete and it is a very proud moment for all involved, and indeed the country in general.”

Sean Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Irish Institute of Sport said: “I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to Katie on her World title. It is wonderful to see an Irish athlete at the very top of her sport on the world stage, she has achieved what  most can only dream about;  back to back European titles, number one in the World rankings, and now World Champion; it’s a phenomenal record.”

Taylor is supported under the Irish Sports Council’s International Carding Scheme in the World Class category, and was recently honoured at a special ISC lunch attended by the Minister for Arts, Sport, and Tourism for her achievements on the European stage.

Under the scheme she has access to sports science, medical, nutritional and other supports. She also benefits under the Irish Amateur Boxing Association’s High Performance Plan which is supported with over half a million euro (€527,436) in funding by the ISC in 2006.

Ends.
For Further Information:
Sinéad McElroy Irish Sports Council   01-8608804
smcelroy@irishsportscouncil.ie
Declan Lee  O’Herlihy Communications 01-6602744
dlee@ohcpr.ie