Title-winner Katie proves a knock-out

Olympic boxing hero Katie Taylor swapped the ring for bling as she was named Irish Tatler Woman of the Year over the weekend.

The Wicklow gold medallist, who has been credited as one of the main driving forces behind the inclusion of women’s boxing in the Olympics, won her second high-profile title of the year at a glittering ceremony in Dublin’s Four Seasons Hotel.

She was one of a number of women honoured for their contribution to Irish society over the last 12 months. Other notable winners included former senator and Supreme Court Judge Catherine McGuinness, who won the magazine’s hall of fame award, and Love Hate star Ruth Bradley, who picked up the film and drama title.

Just as Katie Taylor was honoured for her amazing achievements in the Olympics, 16-year-old swimmer Bethany Firth picked up the Irish Tatler Sports Award for her gold medal performance in the 100m backstroke at the Paralympics.

The entertainment winner was The Fear star Jennifer Maguire, while Paypal’s Louise Phelan scooped the business award. The public life award was presented to Rhona Mahony, master of the National Maternity Hospital at Holles St in Dublin.

Meanwhile, another big boxing name was also honoured over the weekend for his contribution to the sport.

Billy Walsh, head coach with the Irish Amateur Boxing Association’s elite high performance unit, was made an Honorary Freeman of Wexford. He guided the Irish team to four Olympic medals at London 2012.