Katie Taylor inspires Irish women to take up boxing

The Katie Taylor effect has seen women of all ages and walks of life enter the boxing ring in their droves to get fit, gain confidence and relieve stress, says Áilín Quinlin

NIAMH DURACK swapped her boxing gloves for a bridal bouquet when she married her fiancé, the well-known comedian, Chris Kent earlier this month. The 29-year-old primary teacher from Rathmines, is one of a growing number of Irish women who box. Durack became interested in the sport three years ago after being introduced to it by Cork-born Kent, who boxed competitively at one stage, and still enjoys it as a hobby.

Last January, the bride-to-be signed up for regular training sessions with former Irish Olympian and professional boxer Cathal O’Grady, whose White Collar Boxing company trains wannabe boxers all over the country.