Taylor returns to hero’s welcome
Katie Taylor and the Irish squad of Michaela Walsh, Joanne Lambe and Claire Grace received the red carpet treatment at Dublin Airport yesterday afternoon after the long trip home from the AIBA World Women’s Elite Championships in Jeju, South Korea.
Taylor matched Indian legend Mary Kom in Jeju after claiming her fifth consecutive lightweight title.
Speaking at Dublin Airport, Taylor said she was overwhelmed with the reception from Irish fans.
“It’s an absolute privilege to come home as a World champion to see the people here today. These people have been there supporting me from the very start when I first won my first World title, she said.
Taylor admitted that Kom’s record was on her mind in Jeju.
“I was thinking about it all week, I was hoping that I was going to equal that record.
“But it’s been such a tough year with the European and World Championships, two major competitions. It’s just a relief.”
“The first place I always go too is my granny to show her the medal.”
Taylor’s grandmother – for the record – has now seen one Olympic, five World, six European and five European Union – all gold – medals and enough multi-nation gold to fill a garden shed!
Tommy Murphy, President of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association, described Taylor as source of consistent pride.
“The Irish squad did their country proud at the World Women’s Championships. To win one World title is extremely difficult, but to win five is phenomenal. She is a consistent source of pride for the Irish Amateur Boxing Association.”
The IABA President, CEO Fergal Carruth, National Registrar Stephen Connelly, Marketing Manager Robert Connolly and head coach Billy Walsh attended today’s homecoming along with IABA officials.
Irish Sports Council Chief John Tracey also attended today’s homecoming. The Irish squad and staff have been in training camp and competition in Jeju since the beginning of this month.
