Thousands welcome Taylor home in Bray

Thousands of people have lined the streets of Bray and filled the seafront to see Ireland's Olympic gold medallist Katie Taylor.

The women's lightweight champion toured her hometown on an open-topped bus, receiving a rapturous welcome.

"I dreamt of being an Olympic champion since I was a 10 or 11 year old, and dreams can come true," she said earlier. "I'm proof of that, I think.

"I've lived for my sport and lived for this moment. It's just incredible really."

Asked about her future career plans, the 26-year-old said that no decisions have been made yet.

"I'm just going to have a few weeks off now and have a nice rest, and I'll make a decision in the next few weeks whether I turn professional or stay amateur," she said.

Celebrations are also in full swing in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, as thousands await the arrival of boxer John Joe Nevin.

Nevin will be accompanied on an open top bus through Mullingar town by Cavan Boxing Club.

There will be live music as part of the celebrations and afterwards the silver medal winning boxer will head over to Cusack Park along with fellow Olympian local showjumper Joseph Murphy.