(DEC 19) Boxer Katie Taylor
has been crowned The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council
'Sportswoman of the Year 2014' for her exceptional achievement
in winning a record breaking sixth European title and her fifth
consecutive world title. Katie won her Sportswoman of the Month
award in June after she claimed her sixth European title in
Bucharest. Just last month the Bray boxer won her fifth
consecutive world title at the AIBA Women's Word Championships
at Jeju, South Korea.
Following an outstanding year for
Irish women in sport, Katie was among 15 sports stars nominated
for the 2014 title. It is her fourth time to win the award
having previously won it in 2007, 2008 and 2012. Katie was
presented with her award by Tanaiste Joan Burton at an awards
ceremony in Dublin this afternoon (Fri 19th). This year marks
the tenth anniversary of the Sportswoman of the Year awards
which recognize the abilities and achievements of women in Irish
sports.
An Tanaiste,(Minister)
Joan Burton, TD, said: "Irish sportswomen have excelled both
nationally and internationally in a range of sports. Today we
have recognised Irish women from a wide range of sports
including soccer, athletics, boxing, golf and gaelic games.
Their success is a result of the commitment and dedication which
they give to their chosen sports.
Their exploits will help motivate thousands of girls and young
women to continue to excel in sport, giving us a new generation
of Irish sportswomen to be proud of. To the ladies celebrated
here today I would say: Ireland needs you as sports heroes. We
share in your continued success and are looking forward to
watching your careers soar even higher. On the tenth birthday of
this event I want to also thank The Irish Times and the Irish
Sports Council for their continued support of these awards over
the last decade. They have played a tremendous role in
highlighting the successes of Irish women in national and
international sporting arenas over that time"
Speaking after her win, Katie said: "I'm honoured and delighted
to be named the Irish Times/Irish Sports Council Sportswoman of
the Year 2014. This has been an amazing year for me and for
Irish women in sport and I would like to congratulate all the
finalists in their respective fields who have excelled at major
sporting events.
Whether its Fiona Coghlan or Maria McCambridge or Chloe Mustaki
or Briege Corkery, all the finalists have played a huge part in
gaining much needed recognition for females in sports. It is
wonderful to have an award like this as it recognizes Irish
Sports women and the amazing achievements that have brought us
all here today."
Commenting on behalf of the Awards sponsor, Kieran Mulvey,
Chairman of The Irish Sports Council said: "When Irish sports do
well in the international arena it benefits all of us, bringing
positive recognition for the country, an improved reputation and
a boost to morale. It is with women like Katie Taylor, Stephanie
Meadow and Savannah McCarthy as well as their coaching teams
that bring these benefits to Ireland. The Irish Sports Council
is proud to be part of awards that recognizes these achievements
across a wide number of sports including athletics, squash,
camogie, basketball, rugby, hockey, soccer, rowing, golf, boxing
and gaelic football. Congratulations to Katie and all the
finalists for giving us a great year for Irish Women in Sport."
