merrion street

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, today congratulated boxers Kellie Harrington and Katie Taylor on their medal wins at the AIBA World Women’s Elite Boxing Championships in Astana.

Minister Ross said: “I would like to congratulate Kellie Harrington on her magnificent performance in winning a World silver medal in the 64kg category today. It is a great achievement for Kellie in her first World Championships. I am sure her family and friends, coach Jimmy Halpin, the High Performance Unit and Glasnevin Boxing Club are all immensely proud of her. I would like to wish her every success in her future boxing career.

“I would also like to congratulate Katie Taylor on winning bronze in the 60kg category and in the process qualifying for Rio. I know Katie will now have her sights set on retaining her Olympic title and the whole country will be behind Katie and the Irish team in Rio.”

Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to congratulate Kellie on her silver medal success at the World Championships. Kellie is now the second Irish female boxer, after Katie Taylor, to win a medal at this level. Of course Katie has been an inspiration to the boxing team for many years now and it was great to see her qualify for Rio on Wednesday. I am sure both Katie’s and Kellie’s performances this week will encourage more and more girls to take up boxing and to get involved in sport. Great credit is due to team manager Anna Moore, together with coaches Zaur Antia, Eddie Bolger, Gerry Storey and Pat McDonagh for all their work in preparing the Irish team for these Championships.”