Thousands due at open-air screening of Katie's gold-medal attempt

Thousands of people are expected to attend an open air screening in Co Wicklow of Katie Taylor's Olympic final bout today.

The Bray native will battle for a lightweight-boxing gold medal against Russia's Sofya Ochigava at the London 2012 games, knowing she is guaranteed at least at silver medal.

Katie's father and coach Pete said they remained cocooned from international attention, and are maintaining focus.

"We've tried to treat this like another tournament," he said. "We've walked around the village, just me and Katie, and over to the shopping centre when there aren't many people around. We've kept it as simple as we can."

Last night, Paddy Barnes of Belfast won his fight in the flyweight division, securing at least a bronze medal.

Up to 4,000 people turned out in Bray yesterday to watch 26-year-old Taylor comfortably book her place in the final.

Giant screens will today be erected outside the Shoreline Leisure Centre - close to her home - for the fight at 4.45pm.

The Cathaoirleach of Bray Town council Mick Glynn urged people to turn out in large numbers for the free event, and to use public transport to get there.

A shuttle bus will be provided from Bray Dart station and from the town hall.

[comment]We'll be blogging live as Katie fights for gold this afternoon. Show your support by cheering her on![/comment]