DUBLIN — Katie Taylor, the celebrated boxer, has been recognized as Ireland’s “most admired athlete” for the eighth consecutive year, with two other female athletes also standing out in the top three rankings.

In the latest Teneo Sport and Sponsorship Index released on Thursday, Taylor garnered 15% of the votes, shortly after successfully defending her undisputed super lightweight title against Amanda Serrano by unanimous decision.

Following Taylor, sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke secured 11% of the votes, while two-time Olympic boxing champion Kellie Harrington claimed 10%.

Tied for fourth place in the rankings are Olympic gold medalists in rowing, Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, alongside rugby international Bundee Aki. Additionally, the pioneering jockey Rachael Blackmore came in next.

The 38-year-old Taylor showcased her skills in an intense match against Serrano at the home stadium of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, which also featured a co-main event between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. While Paul triumphed by unanimous decision, Taylor and Serrano delivered an electrifying performance, reigniting the excitement from their previous encounter in 2022 at Madison Square Garden, where Taylor also emerged victorious.

The annual survey involved responses from 1,000 participants, revealing that national pride influences admiration for athletes just as much as support for particular sports, despite boxing not being among the country’s most popular sports. Gaelic Games topped the preferences, followed closely by soccer and rugby.