'A dream ending' - A knockout 1.6m viewers watched Katie Taylor's final bout on RTÉ
Katie Taylor become a three-time undisputed champion of the world on Saturday night
The historic fight, which saw Katie Taylor become a three-time undisputed champion of the world was broadcast free-to-air on RTÉ on Saturday night.
At its peak a knockout 1.6 million viewers tuned in to watch Round 10 as Katie defeated France’s Flora Pili, in the fight of Katie’s life, in front of 83,000 fans in Croke Park. (Peak minute: 22:39). The fight also had over half a million streams (552,000) on RTÉ Player.
The programme had an average of 973,000 viewers representing a 74% share of the available viewing audience.
RTÉ Director of Video Steve Carson said,
"On a historic Saturday night, Irish audiences came together in huge numbers to celebrate the extraordinary career of an Irish sporting icon.
“Katie Taylor's final victory was a national moment that will be remembered for many years to come. RTÉ Sport felt it was important to be able to bring live coverage from Croke Park to viewers and listeners, free-to-air, right across the country."
Viewers in the arena and at home were treated to world class boxing, spectacular fireworks and a special performance from Westlife just days before their worldwide 25th anniversary tour kicks off.
Meanwhile Róisín O and Aoife Scott performed spine tingling acappella renditions of Grace and Amhrán na bhFiann before the fight.
A legendary fighter, an iconic venue and a moment that will live forever in the minds of those who witnessed this momentous Irish sporting event in Croke Park and on RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and 2FM.
RTÉ coverage, in media partnership with Lidl, was presented by Jacqui Hurley on RTÉ2 joined by Bernard Dunne and Natasha Jonas from ringside in Croke Park. Commentary was provided by Hugh Cahill and Eric Donovan. Doireann Garrihy and Marie Crowe presented on 2FM.
In a post on her official Instagram account Katie said,
“The last night of my boxing career may well have been my best. A dream ending to an amazing journey! Thank you Ireland for filling Croke Park with your song and your support. I will never forget it!”
Against the iconic backdrop of the home of the GAA, Katie successfully defended her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles and won the WBC Super Lightweight Championship in the historic clash against Pili.
The coverage of Katie Taylor’s final fight topped off a sizzling summer of RTÉ sport which featured extensive World Cup, GAA and European Athletics and Swimming coverage RTÉ was there to bring viewers and listeners closer to all the action in the ring - every hook, every jab, every step of the way.
The last time a professional boxing event was staged in Croke Park was July 1972 when Muhammed Ali famously took on Detroit heavyweight Al “Blue” Lewis in front of an audience of 17,000 people.
Listen to Jacqui Hurley's recent interview with Katie Taylor on Inside Sport here: News and Katie Taylor | Inside Sport - RTÉ Radio 1.