Irish fans crushed after defeat but so proud of ‘great champion’ Katie Taylor

Irish fans were stunned but still fully behind their phenomenal fighter.

Team Ireland has had a mixed time in Rio so far but the defeat of reigning Olympic champion Katie Taylor has been the biggest shock of the Games for Irish fans.

Supporters gathered on the seafront in Bray and all around the country to cheer on Ireland’s golden girl as she got her Olympics underway.

And when the dream of another gold medal was lost after an unexpected defeat, the fans were almost as shocked as the fighter herself.

The fans in Wicklow were stunned but still fully behind their phenomenal star.

Huge disappointment in #bray for #katietaylor's fans who continue to support her pic.twitter.com/qNYkpUbjo0

— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) August 15, 2016

Devastating scenes in Bray today as locals watch Katie's Rio dream come to an end pic.twitter.com/BZDkidDGFv

— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) August 15, 2016

They spoke of their continuing pride in the fighter.

The message was repeated by fans all over social media - gutted by the loss but still so proud of Taylor and her achievements.

Humble, honest interview in defeat by @KatieTaylor . A class act in & out of the ring.

— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) August 15, 2016

gracious in victory and in defeat. A true champion. Her post bout interview was a hard watch #Rio2016

— Laura Whelan (@WhelanLWH) August 15, 2016

Our great champion @KatieTaylor has fallen 😢 but nothing will ever change her legacy 2 women's sport & boxing pic.twitter.com/jgYsSnMEIh

— clíona foley (@ponyyelof) August 15, 2016

Toughest interview I've ever had to watch....chin up @KatieTaylor you still inspired a generation and don't forget that!! So humble #iconic

— Niamh Briggs (@niamhbriggs15) August 15, 2016