From Hollywood to Drumcondra! A whopping 83,000 people lined Croke Park on Saturday night to watch Katie Taylor’s ‘last dance’ as she beat Flora Pili in her last ever fight.
And among the fans chanting the Bray Bomber’s name were some famous faces, some of whom made the journey across the pond to see Katie box.
So, from sporting stars to A-list singers, who were the celebrities in Katie’s corner last night?
Michael Flatley
Michael Flatley certainly made his presence known at the event, after appearing on RTÉ. The Riverdance star made up one half of an unlikely duo when he got on like a house on fire with Marty Morrissey during the live interview.
The American attended the fight with his son, Michael St James.
‘I’m so honoured to be here in Croke Park tonight with my son, Michael St James to watch Katie Taylor! Katie is a hero, a legend and Ireland is proud. GO KATIE,’ he penned on social media.
Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry also got nabbed for a TV interview on the night. The champion golfer sang Katie’s praises as he chatted with Paul Flynn, though it is unclear who Shane attended the fight with.
Doireann Garrihy
Doireann Garrihy hosted her 2FM show from Croke Park, and took to social media to explain how surreal it felt. She even joked that Marty Morrissey asked her how she landed the gig.
‘What an honour to be in the thick of it. I’ve been lucky enough to do some very cool things in my job but this will be a standout day forever. Thank you @katie_t86,’ she penned.
Kathryn Thomas
Kathryn Thomas has long been a champion of women’s sport and so it comes as no surprise that the Carlow woman was in attendance, alongside her own daughter.
‘We love and respect you so much. Thank you for inspiring so many girls and women throughout your career. You are incredible,’ she wrote.
Tommy Bowe
Former rugby legend Tommy Bowe attended the boxing match alongside two of his pals. The trio had a great view of the ring, with Tommy taking to social media to share videos.
‘What a champion! What a send off!’ he penned.
Kate O’Connor
Another female athlete who is having her moment in the sun, Kate O’Connor attended Katie Taylor’s fight with her pals.
The track and field star kept her message of support short and sweet, simply saying: ‘Katie alllll day.’
Ger Tracey, Deric Hartigan and Anne O’Donnell
Ger Tracey got emotional as she attended Katie’s fight alongside her Virgin Media colleagues, Deric Hartigan and Anne O’Donnell.
The sports presenter, who also caught up with Tommy Bowe at the event, shared a heartfelt letter to Katie online. ‘She pretended to be a boy to box. She made a generation of young women believe that they belonged in sport, that they could dream just as big as the boys.’
‘And just look at her now!! What an honour it has been to meet her over the years, interview her and be here at Croke Park to watch her fight one last time. The perfect ending for Katie Taylor. Thank you @katie_t86 for inspiring us all.’
Westlife
Of course, the Westlife boys, made up of Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Nicky Byrne, were in attendance. The singers gave a rendition of World of Our Own and You Raise Me Up before the fight, and stuck around to watch the historic boxing match with their families.
Nicky Byrne’s family also got a chance to pop by and say hello to the star. Backstage the family jumped in for a group shot with the boxer.
Bono, Ed Sheeran, Niall Horan and Rory McIlroy
Despite not being able to make the trip back to Dublin to see Katie in all her glory, some heavy hitters wanted to make sure they gave the legendary boxer her flowers.
A video showing Bono, Ed Sheeran, Niall Horan and Rory McIlroy send a special message to the champion was played in the stadium on Saturday.
