IRISH SPORTS FANS have ranked Katie Taylor’s record-equaling fifth World Boxing Championship title as the greatest Irish sporting achievement of 2014 ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations win and Rory McIlroy’s double-Major winning year.
The reigning Olympic champion won her fifth straight lightweight title in South Korea in November, defeating Yana Allekseevna of Azerbaijan.
The results of the PSG Sponsorship Sport Sentiment Index 2014, which was published today, found that 30% of those surveyed thought the Bray native’s exploits were the standout Irish sporting feat in 2014.
Her bout against Allekseevna was also chosen as the most iconic moment of the year, pipping Brian O’Driscoll’s final game in a green jersey as well as Ireland’s heroic win in the Stade de France in March.
Most notably, as the boxer’s repute continues to soar, her popularity was underlined in the fact Taylor was ranked ahead of O’Driscoll, among others, as the most admired Irish sporting personality with 34% of the vote.
“I’m so proud and honoured to even be recognised amongst such great Irish sporting talent like Paul O’Connell, Rory McIlroy, Brian O’Driscoll and Robbie Keane who are all great stars in their own right. It is always humbling to be recognised by Irish people and great for all women who play sport,” Taylor said.
After the success of both the Men’s and Women’s rugby teams this year, it was little surprise 25% of the 1,000 adults surveyed said they were most looking forward to the World Cup in 2015.
Meanwhile, the annual survey found that soccer remains the most popular sport ahead of GAA on these shores although 54% of the participants said they don’t play any form of organised sport but do engage in physical activity to keep fit.
Key findings:
Greatest Irish sporting achievement of 2014
- Katie Taylor winning fifth World Championship gold medal 30%
- Six Nations win 18%
- Rory McIlroy winning two Majors and becoming World No.1 8%
- Stephanie Roche being nominated for Fifa Goal of the Year 7%
- Irish rugby team going undefeated during Autumn series 6%
Most admired sports personalities
- Katie Taylor 34%
- Brian O’Driscoll 14%
- Paul O’Connell 12%
- Robbie Keane 6%
- Rory McIlroy 6%
Most anticipated sporting event of 2015
- Rugby World Cup 25%
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling and Football Championships 21%
- Six Nations 17%
- Cheltenham 5%
- The Irish Open 3%
Favourite sport
- Soccer 24%
- GAA 17%
- Rugby 16%
- Tennis 5%
- Swimming 5%
