Bray’s own: Katie Taylor honoured with Lidl store renaming ahead of final fight
Katie Taylor has been honoured in her hometown of Bray, with Lidl Ireland renaming its Boghall Road store in recognition of the Irish boxing legend.
The store has been officially unveiled as The Katie Taylor Lidl Store, with a plaque installed at the location alongside a huge mural celebrating the career and achievements of the Bray native.
The tribute comes as Taylor prepares for the final fight of her professional career, with the two weight undisputed champion set to face Flora Pili at Croke Park on Saturday, September 5.
The Irish Icon grew up in Bray and began her remarkable boxing journey in the town before going on to become one of the most decorated athletes in Irish sporting history.
As an event partner for the Croke Park farewell, Lidl is encouraging communities across Ireland to get behind Taylor ahead of what promises to be an historic night for Irish sport.
Taylor’s mother, Bridget, was in attendance for the unveiling and spoke of the significance of seeing her daughter honoured in the community where it all began.
“It’s just so special to see The Katie Taylor Lidl Store unveiled here in honour of our Katie.
“She has always been so proud to be from Bray, so to see this tribute here in her home community is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“The people of Bray have supported Katie from the very beginning, and I know how much that means to her.
“She is so touched and incredibly proud to see her name celebrated here today alongside the amazing mural.
“This means the world, not only to us as a family, but I hope it also means something to young people, in Bray and across Ireland.
“Katie’s journey shows what can be achieved with hard work, determination, and belief.
“We will all be there on Saturday 5 September cheering her on, and knowing that Lidl and the whole of Ireland are in Katie’s corner is something I know she’ll carry with her into the ring.
“It’s going to be a very special night for Irish sport.”
The impressive mural was created by artist Loughlin Brady Smith, who said he was delighted to be given the opportunity to celebrate Taylor’s journey.
“I was delighted when I was approached by Lidl to create this mural.
“Katie has such an incredible story, so I wanted the artwork to capture her determination, energy and everything she has achieved, while also keeping that strong connection to Bray and where it all started.
“I jumped at the chance to be involved in the ‘In Katie’s Corner’ campaign with such an important message.
“There’s something powerful about creating a mural that would stop people in their tracks, make them take a moment, and hopefully leave them feeling inspired.”
Lidl Ireland CEO Robert Ryan also paid tribute to Taylor and highlighted the wider significance of her final fight at Croke Park.
“Katie Taylor has changed the face of Irish sport.
“She has broken barriers, pushed boundaries, and inspired generations to believe that anything is possible.
“That’s exactly why this moment at Croke Park feels so significant. It’s not just another fight.
“It’s a defining moment for Irish sport. A legendary fighter, an iconic venue and an opportunity to put women’s sport firmly in the spotlight once again.
“The Katie Taylor Lidl Store is our way of celebrating where Katie came from, what she has achieved, and what she continues to inspire.
“Now we’re calling on the country to get behind the fight and show Katie just how much Ireland is in her corner.”
Taylor will walk into Croke Park on September 5 for the final time as a professional, with the Bray legend bidding to close out her extraordinary career by becoming a three-time undisputed world champion.
