Katie Taylor was conspicuous by her absence from the RTÉ Sports Awards on Sunday night. Some of the reasons for her non-appearance have come to light.
Asked about Taylor's absence on Sean O'Rourke's RTÉ Radio One show yesterday, Pauric Lodge said that there were some "issues" between the Olympic gold medalist on the national broadcaster.
Katie has issues with RTÉ’s coverage of boxing. When she was presented with the Sportswoman of the Year award at the Shelbourne Hotel on Friday, she wasn’t willing to speak to RTÉ on camera. There are issues that need to be sorted there.
Taylor was named Irish Independent Sports Star of the Year yesterday and while being interviewed by Rachel Wyse, she caused much glee in the crowd when asked what has changed in women's sport over the years.
Well not a whole lot. I'm still not getting any coverage from RTE.
She later expanded on what her problems were with those in Montrose.
I don't know what I have to do to get the coverage. They seem to always be consumed by rugby and GAA but boxing is our most successful sport and you have to start giving the coverage to the boxers aswell. The lack of coverage over the years is disrespectful.
Last year when the lads [Paddy Barnes etc] World Championships and European Championships were on they did film the semi-finals of the fights but when mine came along they were nowhere to be seen.
They always jump on the bandwagon when the Olympics come around every four years but that's not good enough, we should be getting support from our national broadcaster. What more do I have to do to get that coverage?
Katie Taylor is not the only Irish boxers to have problems with RTÉ, Paddy Barnes likes to have a dig whenever the opportunity presents itself.
See also: Conor McGregor Has Released A Statement Regarding His Absence From The RTÉ Sports Awards
Video: Genuinely Shocked Reaction From Brian O’Driscoll On Entering RTE Sport Hall Of Fame
h/t Irish Examiner
Picture credit: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
