Katie Taylor crowned Sportswoman of the Year 2014
Boxer Katie Taylor has been crowned The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council ‘Sportswoman of the Year 2014’ for her exceptional achievement in winning a record breaking sixth European title and her fifth consecutive world title.
Just last month the Bray boxer won her fifth consecutive world title at the AIBA Women’s World Championships at Jeju, South Korea.
Following an outstanding year for Irish women in sport, Katie was among 15 sports stars nominated for the 2014 title. It is her fourth time to win the award having previously won it in 2007, 2008 and 2012.
Katie was presented with her award by Tánaiste Joan Burton at an awards ceremony in Dublin this afternoon (Fri 19th). This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Sportswoman of the Year awards which recognise the abilities and achievements of women in Irish sports.
One of Ireland’s best known and respected racehorse trainers, Joanna Morgan was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for her valued contribution to the world of racing.
An Tanaiste Joan Burton, TD, said: “Irish sportswomen have excelled both nationally and internationally in a range of sports. Today we have recognised Irish women from a wide range of sports including soccer, athletics, boxing, golf and gaelic games. Their success is a result of the commitment and dedication which they give to their chosen sports.
Inspirational Irish women's sportswoman of 2014. Congrats @KatieTaylor winning The Don of the day #ITsportswoman pic.twitter.com/1zLGrYj1ib
— Lynne Cantwell (@cantwelll) December 19, 2014
Speaking after her win, Katie said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be named the Irish Times/Irish Sports Council Sportswoman of the Year 2014. This has been an amazing year for me and for Irish women in sport and I would like to congratulate all the finalists in their respective fields who have excelled at major sporting events.”
The fifteen nominees received their monthly awards from Minister of State Michael Ring TD. and Kevin O’Sullivan, Editor, The Irish Times.
Squash player Madeline Perry (Jan) who won her 14th national title.
Basketball player Grainne Dwyer who was named MVP for her performance in the Superleague National Cup final.
Rugby player Niamh Briggs for her role in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
Hockey player Sarah Greene who captained UCD for the first time to the Irish Hockey League; Soccer player.
Savannah McCarthy who was the FAI’s 2013 U17 International Player of the year.
Rower Sanita Puspure who took bronze in the single sculls at the European Championships.
Golfer Stephanie Meadow who finished third in the US Open in her first year as a professional.
Soccer player Chloe Mustaki who captained the Irish U19 team to the semi-finals of the European Championships.
Rugby player Fiona Coghlan who captained Ireland to the semi finals of the World Cup campaign.
Camogie player Anna Geary and gaelic footballer Briege Corkery who both captained Cork to All Ireland success.
Maria McCambridge who achieved a personal best in the Dublin marathon.
Triathlete Aileen Reid who finished 8th in the world rankings and soccer player Stephanie Roche whose stunning goal over a year ago was nominated for Fifa’s Puskas Goal of the Year Award this year and made it to the final 3.
