Katie Taylor Named
 The 2007 Irish Times Vhi Healthcare Sportswoman of the Year

Dublin 18th January, 2007 - Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., today announced Ireland’s boxing supremo Katie Taylor as the 2007 Irish Times Vhi Healthcare Sportswoman of the Year at an Awards ceremony held in the Westin Hotel, Dublin.

Katie won the Award for her outstanding achievements during 2007. Ranked as the number one “pound-for-pound” boxer in the world, Katie won her third successive European Championship title in Denmark.  This domination of Europe continues an impressive trend started in 2006 when Katie took gold in the World Championships.

Following the retention of her European title, Katie went on to give a hugely impressive display by fighting three-time Pan-American champion Katie Dunn of Canada in Chicago in an exhibition bout before the men’s World Championship finals. The bout was stopped in the second round giving Katie an outstanding 15-0 victory in front of members of the International Olympic Committee.

Congratulating Katie and each of the monthly nominees, Minister Hanafin said, “These awards recognise the talents and achievements of Irish sportswomen and acknowledge the huge contribution they make to Irish society. They also acknowledge the outstanding role models that these sportswomen are for young women throughout the country, encouraging them to take part in sports and to aspire to follow in their footsteps. Their achievements would not be possible without enormous dedication and commitment to training hard and competing fairly, often overcoming injury and defeat to come back stronger and to strive for further success.

This Government recognises the importance of increasing the number of women participating in sport and wants to ensure that everyone is encouraged to participate in sport and to enjoy all the benefits that sport can bring through developing a healthy lifestyle.  I heartily congratulate Katie on her achievement and all the sportswomen honoured here today. I wish you all success in 2008, both nationally and internationally, in your chosen sports.”

A native of Bray, Katie was selected by the judging panel from a list of fourteen* monthly nominees, who were also honoured at the Awards ceremony today.

Commenting on the announcement, Greg Allen, RTE, Chairperson for the judging panel, said, "Katie is a rare kind of sportswoman in the Irish context. She's not only the best in her weight division but she also leads the rankings in the 'pound for pound category' which means she is regarded as the best in the world. If women’s boxing was an Olympic Sport she would be our biggest gold medal prospect this year and we just have to hope that the IOC includes women’s boxing at the London Olympics in 2012 when Katie should be in the prime of her career."

The Irish Times Vhi Healthcare Sportswoman of the Year Award is the first award of its kind in Ireland and is aimed specifically at women in sport, recognising their achievements and creating greater awareness of their sports.

Commenting on the Awards, Dr Bernadette Carr, Medical Director, Vhi Healthcare said, “2007 once again witnessed the continuing trend of Irish women sports stars competing at the highest level on both the national and international stage. They are rightly being acknowledged for the huge contribution they make to Irish society and the vital function they serve as outstanding role models to younger generations of aspiring sportswomen."

The Award was launched in 2004, with each nominee a monthly winner selected by a panel of three independent judges:

• Greg Allen (RTE)
• Lindie Naughton (Evening Herald)
• Mary Hannigan (The Irish Times)

Each sportswoman is eligible for just one monthly award but her achievements through the year are taken into account by the panel of judges when deciding on the overall 2007 winner.

This year sees fourteen nominees put forward for the National Award as May and September had two nominees selected each due to their outstanding achievements.

Nominees for The Irish Times Vhi Healthcare Sportswoman of the Year Award

Further details on 2007 Irish Times Vhi Healthcare Sportswoman of the Year nominees can be accessed on www.ireland.com or www.Vhi.ie.

For further information please contact:

John McGuinness / Sarah Williams

Murray Consultants
01 4980361 / 321
087 6417451 / 086 8433702
jmcguinness@murrayconsult.ie
swilliams@murrayconsult.ie