Sports Minister Shane Ross has defended “photobombing” Katie Taylor during her triumphant homecoming last week.
The Undisputed World Lightweight Champion arrived at Dublin Airport amidst much fanfare on Tuesday.
It came after her victory in Madison Square Garden, where she beat Belgium Boxer Delphine Persoon.
Mr Ross made sure he stuck right by her side for the much-hyped photo opportunity.
He said Katie is an “all-time hero” of his – branding himself a “political doughnut” for wanting to share in her limelight.
Mr Ross added: “Political doughnuts are the sinners who love to be pictured with more charismatic or more popular figures than themselves.
“Not difficult for us mere mortals. Katie Taylor is no mere mortal.
“Hands up, I surrender – Katie is one of my all-time heroes.
“I am shameless. Like thousands of others, I thoroughly enjoyed being photographed with her.”
Writing in the Sunday Independent, he said the crowd of media and well-wishers in Dublin Airport was “not ideal” for a modest world champion such as the Bray boxer – but ideal for a politician with a penchant for the limelight.
He added that amidst all the hubbub, he was unable to give Ms Taylor the formal Government welcome he had prepared and she so deserved.
Mr Ross said: “Surely government ministers should give appropriate welcomes to sports heroes returning home in triumph?”
Last week’s homecoming for Katie, who was accompanied by her mum Bridget, was particularly poignant for the Sports Minister as he last met her at the Rio Olympics – a low point in her career.
Mr Ross said after cheering her on three years ago he left to go to another event – but then encountered a devastated Katie and Bridget looking for a taxi.
He added: “Suddenly on the side of the dusty Rio road I spotted two women, alone, pulling their suitcases in search of a taxi.
“They were Katie and her mother Bridget. I got out of the car to sympathise.
“I swear they were close to tears – polite and dignified – but very alone. Defeat has few friends.”
Katie put those previous disappointments behind her and Mr Ross said she deserves high praise from everyone in the country.
He added: “We are enjoying a golden age in sport. Katie has lifted the nation’s spirits to new heights.”
