WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, 5th September 2026
Bray Roars As Katie Taylor Makes History To Become Three-Time Undisputed World Champion
Bray erupted in celebration tonight as hometown hero Katie Taylor brought her extraordinary professional boxing career to a triumphant close with victory at Croke Park.
Hundreds of fans gathered along the Bray seafront to watch Taylor's historic farewell fight against France's undefeated Flora Pili on the big screen organised by Wicklow County Council. Together, the crowds shared every moment of an emotional and unforgettable night as Katie defended her WBO, WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine titles, while capturing the vacant WBC Super Lightweight belt to become a three-time undisputed world champion.
From her early days boxing out of St. Fergal’s Boxing Club in Bray to Olympic Gold and historic world-title triumphs across the globe, Katie Taylor has redefined Irish sport and cemented her status as one of Ireland's greatest ever athletes. Tonight, that remarkable journey came full circle. As Taylor stepped into the ring at Croke Park for the final fight of her professional career, fans back home in Bray came together to watch, support, and celebrate one of their own. And when the final bell sounded, the town erupted.
The Bray screening captured the occasion's excitement and emotion, with fans sharing the fight's tension before celebrating Taylor's final victory together.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Caroline Winstanley, said: “Katie Taylor has achieved something very special. She has not only reached the very top of her sport, but she has also helped to change it. Her success has opened doors for a new generation of young women and men who have seen through Katie what commitment, courage and belief can achieve. It's especially meaningful to see her finish her career in front of her home crowd at Croke Park, with people in Bray watching and celebrating every moment. We are immensely proud that Katie is from Bray and Wicklow, and tonight was a wonderful opportunity to recognise everything she has accomplished.”
Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, Councillor Malachaí Duddy, added: “There has been a real sense of excitement in Bray in the build-up to tonight, but seeing the community gathered for Katie’s final fight was something very special. Her story started here, and people in Bray have watched with enormous pride as she went from St. Fergal’s Boxing Club to Olympic champion and world champion. Tonight gave us the chance to celebrate her achievements together and to mark the end of an incredible sporting journey. Katie has carried the name of Bray around the world. We are delighted that she could finish her career with her hometown once again firmly behind her.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, said: “Katie Taylor’s career has been extraordinary, not only because of what she has achieved in the ring, but because of the influence she has had far beyond sport. From Bray to Olympic Gold and the highest levels of professional boxing, Katie has demonstrated a level of dedication and determination that has inspired people across Wicklow, Ireland and around the world. Tonight’s screening allowed the community to share this important moment together, and it was wonderful to see Bray providing such a warm and enthusiastic welcome for the final night of Katie’s professional career. On behalf of Wicklow County Council, I would like to congratulate Katie on a remarkable career and thank her for the immense pride and inspiration she has given to so many.”
The Bray screening formed part of the town's long association with Taylor and its tradition of celebrating her achievements with the community. Over the years, the town has held Olympic screenings, homecoming celebrations, and world-title celebrations. Tonight's gathering was different: there would be no next fight to prepare for, no next title to chase, and no next comeback to anticipate. Instead, supporters gathered simply to witness the final occasion and acknowledge everything that had come before it.
For a boxer who started her journey in a local club in Bray and went on to compete on some of the world's biggest sporting stages, the final fight brought her career full circle. And for the community that has supported her throughout that journey, there was a simple message as the evening drew to a close:
Thank you, Katie.
IMAGE: Photo credit: Mick Kelly