Irish flagbearer a 'fantastic ambassador' for boxing

The head of Irish boxing has welcomed the choice of Katie Taylor as Ireland’s flag bearer at the London 2012 opening ceremony.

The Olympic Council of Ireland announced today that the 26-year-old from Bray, County Wicklow, will carry the Irish tricolour in front of Team Ireland at the ceremony which takes place on Friday night.

The four-time women’s world boxing champion is the third Irish boxer to be chosen as flag bearer. Wayne McCullough carried the flag at the 1992 Barcelona Games and Francis Barrett was the tricolour bearer at the 1996 Athens Games.

As well as her world titles, Taylor has won five European titles, four EU titles and is an Ireland international footballer.

Irish Amateur Boxing Association president Tommy Murphy said: “It’s a great honour for Irish amateur boxing and we are absolutely delighted that Katie has been chosen as the flag bearer for Ireland for the opening ceremony for the London Olympics.

“She is the first female boxer to represent this country at the Olympic Games and it is a good choice.

“Katie is a fantastic ambassador for our sport and her record in international competition speaks for itself.”