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Extra.ie
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
RTE's Paul O'Flynn posts glowing tribute to 'lovely person' Katie Taylor
Having followed her career all over the world, RTE Sport's Paul O'Flynn took to social media this week to pay tribute to the seemingly invincible Katie Taylor. The Bray fighter retained her undisputed world super lightweight title following a tense showdown with Amanda Serrano in the early hours of Saturday morning. Taylor has now said she will take some time to consider whether she will box again. The 39-year-old, who had won their previous two meetings, triumphed on a majority decision at Madison Square Garden, with two of the judges scoring the bout 97-93 in Taylor's favour. RTE Sport's Paul O'Flynn and Katie Taylor. The third judge was unable to split them after 10 tight rounds, scoring it 95-95. Following the epic trilogy, RTE's Paul O'Flynn took to X to pay tribute to the fighter and 'lovely person'. 'A fresh Katie Taylor in NY this am! Whatever comes next, I've been honoured to follow her career for RTE Sport from Bray to Barbados, China, the Olympics and an epic Serrano trilogy,' he wrote. 'A champion, amazing ambassador for our country & a lovely person. We're lucky to have her.' A fresh @KatieTaylor in NY this am! Whatever comes next, Ive been honoured to follow her career for @RTEsport. From Bray to Barbados, China, the Olympics and an epic Serrano trilogy. A champion, amazing ambassador for our country & a lovely person. We're lucky to have her ☘️ — Paul O'Flynn (@OFlynnPaul) July 12, 2025 Taylor definitively ruled out a fourth meeting with the Puerto Rican Serrano after Saturday's bout but was cagey when asked whether she would continue to fight. 'I don't know, I just don't want to fight Amanda Serrano again. She punches too hard,' said a happy Taylor after the bout. 'I have a huge ton of respect for Amanda, she's such a warrior. 'It's a pleasure to share a ring with her,' added Taylor. Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 'We have made history three times. We are history makers forever. 'I thought I was boxing very smart, she wasn't able to catch me very much tonight. But it's always close against Amanda.' Serrano, who has suffered three of her four professional losses to Taylor, said she had tried to work 'smarter not harder'. 'We tried to stay with the long punches and one-twos, and it just wasn't enough,' she said. The third meeting between the two was cagier than their previous clashes, simmering throughout with much fewer punches landed. Katie Taylor celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano. Pic:for Netflix Neither fighter was able to impose themselves early on, with just three punches connecting in the opening round. With both boxers operating from more of a distance than their previous meetings, Taylor looked to control the centre of the ring and landed some good counter-shots as she drew Serrano onto her. Several rounds could have gone either way as the fight built to a tense climax, Serrano coming forwards more and forcing Taylor into a corner in the fifth round, but the champion fought her way out. Taylor was marked under the right eye in the eighth, but edged the final two rounds to secure the verdict, much to the delight of the many Irish fans present in the Madison Square Garden Arena.
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘We're lucky to have her' – RTE star pays heartfelt tribute to Katie Taylor as pair share embrace in New York
RTE Sport presenter Paul O'Flynn said "We're lucky to have her" while hailing Katie Taylor as a wonderful ambassador for Ireland. The pair shared an embrace after The Bray Bomber Advertisement 3 O'Flynn is a familiar face from RTE News broadcasts over the years Credit: @OFlynnPaul 3 One judge had it 95-95 while the other two scored it 97-93 Credit: Sportsfile 3 Her mother Bridget and siblings were ringside to cheer her on Credit: Sportsfile O'Flynn had been dispatched to And upon the completion of the one-sided trilogy, he snagged a photo with the jubilant 39-year-old as he hailed her as a fighter and person. He praised: "A fresh Katie Taylor in NY this am! Whatever comes next, I've been honoured to follow her career for RTE Sport. "From Bray to Barbados, China, the Olympics and an epic Serrano trilogy. A champion, amazing ambassador for our country & a lovely person. We're lucky to have her." Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport Taylor and Serrano topped an all-female billing at a sold-out Madison Square Garden. If their first two fights were white-knuckle brawls that had fans on their feet, the third was a more strategic affair. Both And promoter The Matchroom Boxing head honcho added: "It is a non negotiable, mate. On so many different levels. Advertisement Most read in Boxing "The way she carries herself, the role model she is to young people, the way she fights, the way she trains, the barriers she has broken down. "Just a complete legend. I'm proud of her, you should be proud of her, the whole of Ireland." Jake Paul brutally shuts down reporter over proposals for groundbreaking change to boxing Speaking after her hand was raised, Taylor offered the Hearn, however, suggested that Ireland's favourite daughter is fresh as a daisy and has plenty left in the tank. Advertisement He said: "if it was really tough tonight, does the conversation come where you say: is it time? "She is fresh as a daisy. She can do another 30 rounds. Normally, she is out on her feet. "When she boxes like that, I know it might not be as enjoyable but if you know anything about boxing, that is an absolute masterclass." IN HER OWN WORDS Katie herself added: "I thought I was boxing very very smart, very well. She wasn't catching me with much tonight. Advertisement "It is always a very, very close contest between myself and Amanda. Sometimes it is hard to tell from each round but I just thank God that my hand was raised and I am 3-0. "I was coming in here planning to fight disciplined and smart. I was planning on doing it the other two times but it didn't work out like that! "Thankfully I was able to execute the game plan really well. I have a huge amount of respect for Amanda Serrano. What a warrior! Thank you so much."
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
RTE pundit's one-liner about Damien Duff makes Joey O'Brien laugh after Shelbourne's win vs Linfield
STUEY Byrne made Joey O'Brien momentarily break from his pre-prepared line on succeeding Damien Duff with a witty remark. O'Brien was speaking to the RTE panel pitchside after 3 The second leg of their Champions League first round qualifier will take place on Wednesday Credit: @RTESport 3 Alan Cawley and Peter Collins were also present Credit: @RTESport 3 Duff walked out on the reigning Premier Division champs on June 22 Throughout But upon repeating that point, Shels legend Byrne quipped: "You can tell us to feck off if you want to!" The League of Ireland champions were dominant against their northern counterparts at Tolka Park but it took changes off the bench for them to clinch the win. One of the substitutes, Seán Boyd, got the better of two opponents to set up Mipo Odubeko who scored for the third game in a row. Read More On Irish Football But O'Brien - in his first European game as manager - said: 'I thought in the first half, it was a really good performance. 'We attacked the game really well and we created a lot of chances. 'In a European tie, it's four halves of football. Sometimes you don't get what you deserve but it was about resetting. I thought we had chances again and we were happy to get the winner. 'It was a tough team to pick because I know how important these games are for players but I said the bench would be important. Most read in Football 'And Boydy was a handful when he came on. He did brilliantly. But the game is well alive and it's all to play for next week. 'Going up there, we're going to attack the game, play on the front foot, try to dominate and look to win the tie. The game is still in the balance, everything is to play for, I can't wait for next week. Chelsea set for mouthwatering Club World Cup final against red-hot European champions 'They're at home so it's going to be difficult with their support. I'm sure the place up there will be rocking as well.' That was echoed by Harry Wood who said: 'It's a tough place to go, we know only 50 percent of the job is done. We know we have work to do but it is good to go there with a win. 'Our mindset is to go and try to win the game. Whatever the score was here, we were going to try to go there to win. 'This is what you want to be playing in when you're a kid. It's the biggest competition in world football, especially club football, and you want to be playing in these, high-pressure moments.' A delighted Odubeko added: 'The first half was really frustrating. I don't think I really touched the ball so to see the ball bobble into the bottom corner I'm really happy. 'I think we put on a good show. I love playing at Tolka Park, I love playing for Shels and most importantly scoring goals for Shels.'
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
RTE pundit reveals hilarious schedule mix-up that means he'll miss Oasis' upcoming Croke Park concert
RICHIE Sadlier looked ahead in anger as he shared that he's double-booked a family holiday with Oasis' Dublin dates. According to 5 Sadlier is sadly going to have to miss out on seeing them at Croke Park Credit: @richiesadlier 5 Although some feel he ought to prioritise the Gallagher family over his own family getaway Credit: @richiesadlier 5 He's currently on RTE screens a lot to cover the Women's Euros in Switzerland Credit: @RTE Sport 5 Noel Gallagher was left teary-eyed towards the end of Friday night's show Credit: PA They're set to fill out Croke Park on August 16 and 17. But sadly for Sadlier, he won't be able to go. He explained to "By the time I realised we couldn't change the date or get a refund. Thought I was dealing with it quite well, turns out I am not." The Gallagher brothers Read More On Irish Football Newspaper headlines about the hugely-anticipated reunion flashed up on huge screens amid deafening cheers from the Perhaps the most memorable moment came later on when they paid a touching Liam, giving some oomph to his trademark swagger, told fans 'Manchester vibes in the area' before the band launched into Hello, the opening track on their multi-million selling second album (What's the Story) Morning Glory?. The song's lyrics include the line 'It's good to be back' — and fans agreed. Most read in Football The band then smashed into 1995 B-side and fan favourite Acquiesce. The poignancy of the lyrics — including 'because we need each other, we believe in one another' — was lost on no one in the crowd. Kyle Walker completes Burnley transfer as they unveil him in 'best announcement video ever' Many believed they would never see the day Noel, 58, was back on stage with The two-and-a-quarter hour set was packed with big moments, including the tribute to Jota — whose funeral took place today. The Irish Sun understands lifelong At the end of the track, a photograph of Jota wearing his Liverpool kit appeared — with the crowd breaking into huge applause as fans noticed the Portugese ace on the screen. 5 This sight will grace Croke Park on August 16 and 17 Credit: Getty Earlier, Liam, boiling in a thick coat on stage, shouted: 'Yes, beautiful people, simmer down', as the band settled in for their set — which was ear-splittingly loud in the Principality Stadium. Noel and Liam chose songs mainly from their first two albums, 1994's Definitely Maybe and 1995's (What's The Story) Morning Glory?. Liam kept his words short and sweet, joking: 'You're still on the glue down here, then', in reference to fans going wild as they played their 1995 No 1 hit Some Might Say, then Bring It On Down. Before Cigarettes & Alcohol, Liam urged the crowd: 'I want you to do us a favour. I don't ask much. 'I want you to turn around, every single one of you. Put your arms around each other like you like each other and when the tune starts you jump up and down. It's f***ing easy.' Joking again later with the crowd, before playing Slide Away, Liam asked: 'You're all having a good time yeah? Was it worth the £40,000 you paid for a ticket?'
RTÉ News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Homeward-bound Daniel Wiffen primed for tilt at world title in Singapore
Daniel Wiffen will plot his path to the Los Angeles Olympics from a home base following his graduation from Loughborough University. The two-time Paris Games medallist prepared for the 2024 Olympics while based at the renowned English college, but now, having ended his academic assignments, Wiffen is eyeing a move back home this summer. But first, the Olympic champion is fully focused on the upcoming 2025 World Aquatics Championships, which are taking place in Singapore from 11 July to 3 August. And the Magheralin man will be looking to repeat the feat of the last edition of the world championships, where he secured double gold in his main events of the 800m and 1500m freestyle. "Training is going great," said Wiffen, speaking to RTE Sport. "We've been doing some crazy sets, which I've been really fast, so I'm really looking forward to the world championships. "I want to win gold, which is an easy one to say because I have already won the world championships twice, so for me that's what it is going to be, re-win the medals I've already won, it's that simple." The 23-year-old said that outside the pool, he has been immersed in the business of sports analytics, with the help of sponsors Deloitte, aiming for ways to go faster and become more efficient in racing scenarios. And he believes that he is identifying factors, which will help him to bring additional strengths to his swimming as he progresses towards the LA Games in three years' time. "I'm looking at what I did wrong in Paris, not obviously winning the gold medal, but there are actually quite a lot of areas where I can improve, so that's what I am looking at," said Wiffen. "I'm looking at the analytics side of it. Maybe if I did that turn faster, or maybe if I didn't breathe at that point or reduce my breathing time, something like that, it's all looking at those little details and if I can refine them, that's how I keep progressing every year. "I wasn't perfect at all, far from it, and that's what makes it exciting for me going towards LA, because if I can win gold in a race when I was 80% there, when I have 20% left in the tank where I can actually improve from." Wiffen won the gold medal in the 800m freestyle in Paris and followed it up with a bronze in the 1500m, and admitted that he struggled with the aftermath of such a high. However, it did not take too long to rediscover his competitive streak, thanks to his lifelong sibling rivalry with twin brother Nathan. "Motivation was maybe a bit low after Paris, because obviously you have come off this giant high and then I went on holiday for so long. "But when I went back training, Nathan had been back a month and he was beating me in training, so as soon as I started losing, honestly I'm the worst loser, I hate it. "So I switched back on and started winning again, and that's me. I just have that personality and that rivalry I have with my brother makes me want to go faster again." And it all sets things up perfectly for a run at making it back-to-back successes at the upcoming Worlds as Wiffen goes after that top spot on the podium, despite coming into the championships without the favourite tag. "I was number one in the world for a while, but we've had some pretty fast Germans who had some quick times, so I'm just looking forward to racing them," said Wiffen. "I think I'm sitting second and third in the world at the moment so I just want to progress one or two spots. "I'm looking forward to the challenge and it's kind of nice not going in as favourite for the season because I like looking for a better story for when I win." And while Wiffen is fully expecting to come home with some medals from Singapore, he is also challenging himself to bring home a personal accolade from the championships, at least, in the form of a PB, and perhaps something even more prestigious. "I'm definitely going for it (the world record)," he said. "I feel you can't not go to a race being only a second off the world record and not be going for it, so that's my goal. "I've PB'd at every major international competition that I've done, so I aim to PB one more time before I break that world record. Time will tell." In absentia for the official university graduation next month, the college will accommodate an early exchange of formalities and obligatory photo opportunities before heading off to Singapore, as Wiffen signs off from what has been a perfect partnership with the highly regarded sporting institution. And once the Worlds are completed, Wiffen will pack up his belongings in England, complete with his ever-growing medal collection, and head home to start plotting that path to the America Games in 2028, while looking forward to an off-season traipsing the great golfing links of Ireland to help recharge for next season. "I'm moving back to Ireland," confirmed Wiffen. "My rent is up in August and I'll be moving back. "I haven't actually appointed my coach yet, I'm still deciding, so I'm looking forward to that, and more than likely it will be based in Dublin," he addd, confirming that Andi Manley is no longer his coach. "So Dublin based, but a lot of prolonged training periods in different countries with different people. Obviously, we don't have the training partners in Ireland I want to train with, so I'll have to take camps away in America or Italy, but based in Ireland. "And I'll be taking my off-season in Ireland, going around the country golfing. Last year it was surfing, this year it's golf."
