FIGHTING FIT: But Katie Taylor's gym in Bray lacks the most basic of amenities

FIGHTING FIT: But Katie Taylor's gym in Bray lacks the most basic of amenities

World champ Katie Taylor has been training in a gym that doesn't have a toilet or shower, while many look on in awe at government cash flowing into Mayo -- the political heartland of Enda Kenny and Sports Minister Michael Ring.

The Taoiseach was left red-faced when he visited Bray boxing club where Katie and fellow boxing olympian Garda Adam Nolan have to dash off to the nearby Harbour Bar if they want to spend a penny.

Katie's father Peter, who also trains Gda Nolan, said: "I think the Taoiseach was very shocked and maybe a bit ashamed when he saw it. He told me to put in an application for the club under the next round of sports grants and he would make sure it would be looked after."

The Mayo constituency was a big recipient of Lottery-funded capital sports grants getting €678,000 last year.

The allocation for Mayo was twice the allocation given to Dublin, and Mayo moved from ninth to fourth in the Lotto grants league table based on grant aid per head of population.

Mr Ring's political power base of Westport received three Lotto grants totalling €230,000.

Sunday Independent