Olympian Katie Taylor has lashed out at national broadcaster RTÉ for the lack of the support shown to her and her sport during her boxing career.
Speaking with the Irish Independent, Taylor said that RTE “jump on the bandwagon when the Olympics come round every four years” when it comes to boxing.
Taylor is one of the most successful athletes in Ireland and the poster girl for women’s boxing with five world titles, six European titles and a Olympic Gold medal under her belt.
But she said that coverage of boxing is poor, with women’s boxing particularly neglected: “I don’t know what we have to do to get the coverage or the support from RTE.
“They seem to always consume rugby and GAA but boxing is our most successful sport… the lack of coverage over the years is very disrespectful.”
“Last year, when the lads’ European championships were on, they (RTE) filmed the semi-finals and the finals but when mine came along they were nowhere to be seen.
“We should be getting the support of the national broadcaster. What more do I actually have to do to get that coverage?”
However, a spokesperson for RTE said that the broadcaster had “consistently” supported Taylor and that they would be showing the 2016 Rio Olympics as she defends her Olympic crown.
RTÉ also added they had offered “comprehensive coverage” of the National Elite Finals in 2014 but the Irish Amateur Boxing Association had declined and chosen another broadcaster.
What do you think? Is Katie right?
