102 Comments

• Brolaur | Aug 26, 2012, 01:53 PM EDT

  I congratulate Katie on her fabulous win but I agree her religion should be just that, her own. according to her logic her opponent should have won also! I think there's something Dark about that relationship with her Dad being so involved. God had nothing to do with her success. She's a messed up kid.

• curtisjohnson | Aug 15, 2012, 09:43 PM EDT

  Kilsally has won the debate.

• Kilsally | Aug 15, 2012, 05:48 PM EDT

  Katie is being true to herself and the bible - once born again, your faith is everything. I`m not quite sure where the author gets that faith should be private. Faith is personal relationship with Christand the great commission is to preach the gospel to the whole world. Might surprise a few but as an Ulster Orangeman was rooting for my sister in Christ from the South.

• cynicus | Aug 15, 2012, 12:55 PM EDT

  What begrudgers Patrick Roberts and other 'antis' are! Those of you who do not believe in God or Jesus, just piss off and get over you obssession! If you don't like our Christian religion, then stop trying to vent your spleen on us; just go away and worship a rock or something that you can see and feel!!

• tmfkap | Aug 14, 2012, 02:44 PM EDT

  As a born again christian she believes jesus is coming for her in a spaceship and will leave the rest of us behind (rapture). How is that good, positive or even sane?

• roibaird | Aug 14, 2012, 12:46 AM EDT

  Roberts should check to see how many boxers of all nationalites cross themselves before and after their bouts .........as well as many other sports persons in their field of sport. Kate is more than entitled to say what makes her feel good!

• irishcoffeekid | Aug 13, 2012, 09:10 PM EDT

  Oh get over it! She's entitled to put her win down to whatever she wants, her fighting spirit or her spiritual spirit - either way she won a gold medal and the whole of Ireland and the Irish are proud of her. In this day and age its great to see someone have the neck to talk about their faith - she's entitled to do so, its freedom of speech - stop looking for all the negatives and for once focus on the positives - only one coming out of this story bad is the writer!

• olgspu | Aug 13, 2012, 06:29 PM EDT

  Dear Patrick, Good news there are so many wonderful things that you seem to be missing. For example some athletes thank God when they lose....read Shawn Johnson's Winning Balance in which she describes her reaction to coming second in Beijing. Think of it, Katie was telling the truth when she talked of her gratitude of God...would she be better off lying? spinning a take for the viewing audience. Do you realise what you have written..."Training, commitment and sheer raw talent is what won for Taylor". She is telling us that we does what she does for God which includes the hard slog of training, that her commitment, her winning commitment, is to God and that her raw talent comes from God...so why wouldn't she thank him. Finally, when Katie speaks she says positive, encouraging, beautiful things. A boxing coach who knows her confirmed this impression when he told me that there is "not one bad bone in her body". Maybe rather than criticise her for sharing her ardent love of God you might consider that with the help of God, you too could be happy and lose your obvious bitterness

• cuddlybuddly | Aug 13, 2012, 04:06 PM EDT

  I thought the second She thanked God, how brave She was to let herself connect to her God in what is obviously a very strong relationship...now going on and on and on and on about it is another thing

• lokionline | Aug 13, 2012, 01:13 PM EDT

  So Katie is a born again... so what? She won the medal, she gets the right to share her sense of what made that happen.

• jamieLM | Aug 13, 2012, 08:55 AM EDT

  @Keviindar, well said. I saw athletes from many different countries crossing themselves and "thanking God." They were expressing their beliefs," as they have a right to do. Training, commitment, and raw talent are essential, but Mr. Roberts, you don't know for sure how God works in people's lives and if anyone wants to thank Him for having a hand in their success, so be it. Congratulations, Katie!!!! Well done.

• Keviindar | Aug 13, 2012, 08:05 AM EDT

  Patrick Roberts obviously has some axe to grind. It is clear he hates Christians and Christianity, for whatever reason. Instead of simply congratulating Katie for her wonderful win, he decides to attack her faith, and her desire to give the glory for her achievement to her Creator. What is it with this guy? Why shouldn't she be allowed the Free Speech of declaring her Christian Faith is that is what she wanted to do? Where is the tolerance of this guy? It is clear he is just a mean spirited and bigoted individual, whos is just trying to make a name for himself I'm journalism, at the expense of his human dignity. He failed, Katie deserves all the praise for he win and for her courage in declaring her faith in a faithless, unbelieving and synical generation.

• lakeisle | Aug 13, 2012, 12:21 AM EDT

  We all have and use material bodies which are very complex machines. We didn't create our own bodies or the world around us, but an intelligent force (who is ultimately a personal 'Being') did. Therefore there is nothing philosophically wrong in thanking God for anything. You can read more in the philosophy section of Krishna.com (among other places!)

• MichaelH | Aug 12, 2012, 09:44 PM EDT

  As an agnostic (though still catholic!) I have no problem with Katie thanking God. It seems to me that you misunderstood what she was saying. Her message is that her God is an essential part of her life, her strength and her shield, and she would be nothing without him. At no point did she say that her God helped her win the fight. On the contrary, she has said that in her prayers before fights she prays for both herself and her opponent that God will keep them safe. Her Minister said the same thing last Thursday in a radio interview. It's not my belief system but this is a charming, immensely talented, humble, extraordinary young woman and if her faith has, in any way, helped her to become that then who am i to say she is wrong.

• seanomelb | Aug 12, 2012, 07:17 PM EDT

  who cares whether she believes that "God" was behind her victory. Much ado about nothing. If Roberts believe that religion should be kept out of sport so what! Chaplainmiles you need to tone down "your" religious zealotry. A world without religion would be so calm and peaceful.

• POL O L | Aug 12, 2012, 03:37 PM EDT

  I would like to Thank Jesus for letting me find this Excellent site a few days ago.Hello,I turned off my TV when that crap exited her mouth.Get a life.They all seem to be Thanking,Kissing,Bowing,Praying to someone these days on various sports fields.Ban it all.

• antoman | Aug 12, 2012, 03:21 PM EDT

  @woundedbollix- how about your create another few accounts and discuss with yourself the pro's and cons of being imbecile? I've no doubt it would be an insightful discussion. And perhaps at the end of it I may be able to suggest a cure for you.

• DrTrelawney | Aug 12, 2012, 03:14 PM EDT

  Will people stop bleating about "free speech". Nowhere in the article does Roberts suggest that he wants Taylor or any other bible-basher to be prohibited from praising their made-up deity. He merely says that he would prefer if they didn't do so. He is exercising his own right to free speech.

• WoundedKnee | Aug 12, 2012, 02:26 PM EDT

  Where were all the people who are now attacking Roberts when the free speech and civil rights of Catholics were under attack on this site?

• WoundedKnee | Aug 12, 2012, 02:23 PM EDT

  antoman: You're going to comment even less here? Wow, the average IQ here just went up 10 points. Now if only a couple of your fellow imbeciles would make the same commitment...

• chaplainmiles | Aug 12, 2012, 01:38 PM EDT

  Patrick Roberts has never disguised his blatant hostility toward religion,Christians or even more pronounced, his hostility toward God. Something has made him a very bitter person which is very sad. Roberts is more to be pitied than vilified. Rev. Austin Miles

• cherykie | Aug 12, 2012, 01:04 PM EDT

  Not only are you wrong about Katie and her rights, you wrongly commented about religion not mixing with sports or politics. Sports and politics may not mix well with true religion, but true religion permeates every aspect of a believer's life, because it is God who gives life and sustains it, and who can take it in any given moment. Appreciate every breath you draw, PR, it's only on loan...

• Gearoid4 | Aug 12, 2012, 10:16 AM EDT

  The sentiments in this article are typical of a very narrow, intolerant mindset, that has beset liberal commentators, regarding anyone who proclaims a Religious Faith in the Public Square. She is just acknowledging the graces which she has received from her Creator. Some like the author of this piece would like sporting heros/heroines like Katie, to restrict their Faith to behind closed doors. But we are living in so-called liberal democracies, and the practice of Religious Faith is guaranteed in both the public and private spheres.

• johnymac60 | Aug 12, 2012, 10:15 AM EDT

  Begrudgery. Absolute and utter. Roberts, you are a piece of work. When you win your next olympic gold, let us all know, will ya.

• oldboreen | Aug 12, 2012, 09:55 AM EDT

  Equally, Patrick Roberts,given your obviously biased view of faith, you're just as "wrong to bring religion" into this article. Could'nt you have simply celebrated her success and left it at that? Or was the temptation to push your own agenda too much to resist?

• micky74007 | Aug 12, 2012, 09:38 AM EDT

  Thank God for women and atheletes like her. Has anyone else noticed how stupid and spiteful this site has become?

• antoman | Aug 12, 2012, 08:43 AM EDT

  My reply to this spiteful and clearly antagonistic article is to unlike IrishCentral on facebook and comment even less on this site.

• dochara | Aug 12, 2012, 07:17 AM EDT

  Absolutely 100% right Patrick and kudos to you for saying it in public. Her references to her God and her Lord were nothing less than embarrassing and should NOT have been said. So her God wants her to physically beat another woman?

• boydshield | Aug 12, 2012, 06:01 AM EDT

  Patrick are you an eejit? God has time for every thing and every one. And to say if there is a God?Niall should be done and rid of you, you pompous Amadan!

• BARNEYKX | Aug 12, 2012, 06:01 AM EDT

  Theres been talk of Katie maybe going the pro route,after reading todays sunday mail it would be maybe madness for her to even considerate it according to girl pros in USA they barely get a living out of it,with her boxing grants and sponserships she is doing very well for herself in deed and im sure she will have more sponsers queuing up for her name on their products WHAT DO YOU THINK??

• krisdaly | Aug 12, 2012, 01:14 AM EDT

  ...AND THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS DID NOT COMPREHEND IT.

• mtheresa | Aug 12, 2012, 12:45 AM EDT

  Roberts: she also has freedom of speech.What a waste of time with your blather and spite!!!!

• greg_wheaton | Aug 11, 2012, 10:54 PM EDT

  Sorry, Mr. Roberts . . . you're the one who's wrong. If you quoted her correctly, it seems to me that you deliberately misrepresented what she said. She said that God helped her be who she is . . . That is her opinion and her right. She was bein interviewed, not you, and she expressed her opinion and her faith. And you used HER interview to launch a diatribe against athletes expressing their faith . . . So who exhibitted less class???

• greg_wheaton | Aug 11, 2012, 10:23 PM EDT

  This girl deserves to express her opinions. Is it because she is a Protestant and a Christian that she is being subject to so much abuse by Southern Ireland Catholics????. Despicable attitude by the Roman Catholic Church members. OR maybe they are not church members who are complaining.

• hollabackgurl | Aug 11, 2012, 09:21 PM EDT

  Without God I would not be here to tell you that He doesn't need the publicity, He didn't ask for it, and He's not the reason she one.

• michaelidaho | Aug 11, 2012, 08:48 PM EDT

  Definitely one of the most bizzare blogs I have ever read on Irish Central. At best, it is grossly insensitive to people of faith. At worst, it is bigotry plain and simple. Congratulations to Katie Taylor for her gold medal and the courage to proclaim her religious beliefs.

• cartersmate35 | Aug 11, 2012, 08:27 PM EDT

  I think THIS is ridiculous! We are getting to be a picky planet! Why are we afraid to live our faith every day, as GOD HAS TAUGHT US????? Don't let the people who wish to censor us win!

• irishpjk | Aug 11, 2012, 07:50 PM EDT

  wtf What is wrong with her saying this is what she believes got her there. Who has the right to censor what she wants to say in her interview. Thank god for people like her and the land of freedom which allows people like her to speak their mind. If you want censorship I can suggest a few places that you might move to.

• citizen69 | Aug 11, 2012, 07:26 PM EDT

  Just more sensationalism from Irish Central... Cash for controversy. The more hype or controversy they can create around story, the more page hits on that article... and more hits means more advertising revenue. It's just a cheap online tabloid rag.

• seanomelb | Aug 11, 2012, 07:24 PM EDT

  I can just imagine Jesus in shorts prancing around a boxing ring. That somehow reminds of Christy and the child of Prague.

• emorstscr | Aug 11, 2012, 06:53 PM EDT

  I cannot believe these comments, she won because of years of training and hard work not because God was on her side, I found her remarks, within minutes of winning off putting.

• cillowen | Aug 11, 2012, 06:13 PM EDT

  In an atheistc Ireland its nice to hear a creation of God's making satanic forces uncomfortable and looking stupid.

• seanomelb | Aug 11, 2012, 06:00 PM EDT

  Katie has every right to her beliefs and as a practicing atheist I defend her right to believe what she wants.Must be a slow day for Roberts, surely this is not the best he can come up with .

• seanomelb | Aug 11, 2012, 05:12 PM EDT

  Religion is a waste of time but if she believes that faith gave her the strength to win then let her rejoice and thank her god then fair play to her. You can't openly criticise a Jew for being Jewish or a Muslim so why do you think it's ok to criticise a Christian? As I said earlier i don't believe but i believe she has the right to belive and if she wants to thank him for it openly who are you to criticise? This is a crap story by a low rate 'wannabe' journo.

• billie061 | Aug 11, 2012, 04:32 PM EDT

  Everyone is entitled to express their feelings, and in my mind Katie earned her right. Roberts get over yourself. And by the way I am not a practising catholic but I do have respect for those who are.

• mreinhar2001 | Aug 11, 2012, 04:30 PM EDT

  Patrick Roberts: Ireland got its first Gold Medal at all since 1996 and you complain because you disagree with the woman's free speech (the UK does have freedom of speech though not enshrined in the same way as the US)!!?!??!!! Similar size countries in the far northern hemisphere have more medals than Ireland, yet you complain (Denmark currently has 9, Finland has 3, and Great Britain has 60)!?!?!?!?! I am surprised you didn't write that you are discombobulated because a woman got the medal instead of a man, in particular a stereotypical Irish boxer. It might behoove you to quiet down Mr. Roberts and reflect on the glory Katie Taylor has brought to the island rather than whether you agree or disagree with her beliefs. Spend some time considering the great honor Grenada has bewtowed on its very first medal winner ever, Kirani James. Then maybe you can discover a way to be proud of the glory that Katie Taylor brought to the island nation of Ireland rather than tarnishing the gold and joy as quickly as you can with this hate-filled article.

• CarlSpacklerLCC | Aug 11, 2012, 04:30 PM EDT

  She's Irish and you should be proud that she beat the world's best. Doesn't matter who she praises. Let's get religion out of this. A proud 1st generation Irish-American!!!

• Woodman | Aug 11, 2012, 04:26 PM EDT

  Let her say whatever the hell she wants. When you get down to it, this Roberts turd wants to silence views he disagrees with.

• Irishphotograph | Aug 11, 2012, 03:53 PM EDT

  I call into question whether Katie Taylor said this... "I serve an amazing God and without Him I wouldn't be here without this gold medal around my neck," said Taylor"" ALSO BUNKERISLAND...It takes more faith to be an atheist than to be a theist. Your thinking is illogical. This planet we call Earth, is one giant Rock in Space. At one time there was no LIFE & then there was LIFE. Man has always believed in a Creator.

• Irishphotograph | Aug 11, 2012, 03:49 PM EDT

  BALLYLANGER WRITES... ""she's going to be ignored by those who, without her galoot jesus remarks, would have been supporters""...Like she cares, she has the blessing of GOD & she doesnt need phoney superficial people like yourself

• Irishphotograph | Aug 11, 2012, 03:46 PM EDT

  Read the comment before me from Ballylanger. He is the kind of Irish man who gets married in a R.C. church, gets his children baptised in a RC church & all done in front of his family and friends saying I believe in God. Saint Patrick was a born again Christian who loved Jesus. Its only because of Biblical Christianity that Ireland became known as the Land of the Saints and Scholars. I am a descendant of one of Ireland's greatest rebel leaders, John Devoy. As described by Padraig Pearse. The Proclamation calls on God and so we must look at Ballylanger as the hypocritical & untrustworthy Irish. THANKYOU JESUS

• ballylanger | Aug 11, 2012, 03:24 PM EDT

  We have an idiot running around with an Olympic Gold Medal. It takes the 'good' out of it and she's going to be ignored by those who, without her galoot jesus remarks, would have been supporters.

• mooneya | Aug 11, 2012, 03:22 PM EDT

  I think your writer is totally off the wall. It's great at a time when so many Irish people are abandoning their religion to see a young woman take a stance and be unafraid to let people know she is a christian with a strong belief in the power of God. She has always thanked God for her talent and her wins so doing it after she wins an Olympic Gold is not new. Fair play to her for standing up and letting everyone know that she believes in her God. And we Irish would certainly not be rolling up our eyes if this was an American doing this although we certainly did when the ability of the young Chinese swimmer was questioned while the 15 year old American winner's ability was not called into question.

• Curitiba | Aug 11, 2012, 03:06 PM EDT

  In a world where people do not believe in God, there is no right or wrong, there is only with the program or not with the program. So whenever the person who is setting the agenda decides the program has changed, the "morality" changes with it and what is right this week is wrong next week.

• bunkerisland | Aug 11, 2012, 02:57 PM EDT

  Whose God is everywhere? Anyone looking to the sky for answers is delusional gold medal or not!

• katiemac | Aug 11, 2012, 02:44 PM EDT

  Some people, liberal media included, see religion as a "Sunday only" sort of thing. To others faith is such a part of us that it shapes what we do everyday, every hour, every minute. It forms our conscience which dictates how we conduct business, how we treat other people, what activities we allow ourselves to participate in, or those we decline. Many people are called to give witness in many ways. You don't critcize Gays for speaking out against Chik-Fil-A and in favor of Gay marriage, why on earth would you criticize Katie for speaking out in thanks to God? Or is it that people can only speak out when they agree with your views?

• jds81051 | Aug 11, 2012, 01:43 PM EDT

  How did roberts get a job here any way!I suppose your family is proud of these kind of statements.you are free to think what you want. so is the young lady you are complaining about. A jaring note huh.something needs to jar your head wake up. God is every where even in your addled brain.

• liammurf | Aug 11, 2012, 01:06 PM EDT

  ROBERTS is a bit off center. When he stated "if there is a God" we know where he comes from. Must be a sad life fore him. If it wasn't for God, she would not have been there case close. Thank God, there is a Mr Roberts to make statements as he did. We are lucky, aren't we. Nice GOLD Medal, Thank you God.

• JBRAFTREE | Aug 11, 2012, 12:54 PM EDT

  She's a kid, let's remember if some of us were fortunate enough to be quoted in ink what would we have said? Her talent shines!

• jerrydonovan | Aug 11, 2012, 12:48 PM EDT

  My sympathy to all those who in life have never had an experience that has enabled them to say"my God how great thou art".

• YelmIrish | Aug 11, 2012, 12:37 PM EDT

  It's the mindset of a winner/conqueror. God blesses me and punishes the unbelievers. Though training vigorously unwaveringly for decades hasn't anything to do with it. Actually, the God thing is in everyones belief system of good, bad, right, wrong, reward, punishment - so religious thought is a sickness that's spread throughout the entire consciousness of humanity in every aspect of life and is a disgusting retardation of potential.

• Niall001 | Aug 11, 2012, 12:35 PM EDT

  Congratulations to Patrick Roberts! This has to be one of the most ridiculously intolerant pieces ever to grace the world wide web. Next to this idiotic artilce, the comments section of a youtube Justin Bieber video looks like post-doctoral research. In case you didn't notice, Katie didn't come to your door. She didn't chase a camera. She didn't even write an article on the internet. She wasn't pushing her views on you. She simply answered questions. If somebody wants to thank God, Allah, Zeus or Thor, then what harm does that do? Why should they have to hide their religious beliefs in a closet? Given the Training, commitment and sheer raw talent is what won for Taylor, not some religious blessing from an Almighty deity. Given the blood sweat and tears Katie has put into her training over the years, I would wager she knows exactly the role that training, commitment and talent played in her victory. The parody of her views that you present is ridiculous.

• timbobdennehy | Aug 11, 2012, 12:32 PM EDT

  who cares.song and dance over nothing.

• allanjones | Aug 11, 2012, 12:27 PM EDT

  ON SECOND THOUGHT, AFTER SEEING THE TYPE OF ARTICLES THIS JERK HAS WRITTEN IN THE PAST, I WILL UNFRIEND YOU NOW.....I DON'T NEED THIS TYPE OF COMMUNICATION.....

• magzerflood | Aug 11, 2012, 12:27 PM EDT

  Well done for this article! She's the golden girl and people are afraid to criticise her. I thoroughly agree that religion is private and she should keep her views to herself. It's her dedication and hard work that got her there and her father and coaches. I have the utmost respect and admiration for her but she should keep her religion to herself!

• MML | Aug 11, 2012, 12:20 PM EDT

  Katy can say what she believes,If she wants to think he is her "Savior" or whatever else, she thinks. And, this is just as right as for you Kevinhayes, to say, we have to fight against this "Big Guy" in the sky claptrap, if that's what you believe. Why should it bother you, if it isn't harming you or anyone else?

• kevinhayes | Aug 11, 2012, 11:52 AM EDT

  David Boudia, the American 10m platform diver, came up with similar, though less wordy, claptrap yesterday. We have to fight back against this Big Guy in the Sky nonsense.

• briddy29 | Aug 11, 2012, 11:50 AM EDT

  She can say and thank whomever she wants. Mr. Roberts has a religious bias. His comments are rude. Frankly I don't think he knows what God has time to deal with, it's above his pay grade. She's a born-again Christian, whatever. If she were a Roman Catholic and said those words he probably would have wet himself in anticipation of bashing her. Church/State only.

• eirefest2 | Aug 11, 2012, 11:38 AM EDT

  If Katie believes that God was her inspiration and she wishes to acknowledge this belief she has every right. She's not preaching religion she's thanking God. Why does this bother you?

• christilcaugh | Aug 11, 2012, 11:25 AM EDT

  The American gymnast did too. Get over it. Some people have beliefs, and some don't and to not allow them to speak doesn't allow free speech.

• martncarr | Aug 11, 2012, 11:22 AM EDT

  Katie is a Christian. Evangelisation is a Christian imperative. Well done Katie. Continue to shine The light. If katie was a muslim no one would dare ask this question!!

• merefalow | Aug 11, 2012, 11:08 AM EDT

  wow,could,nt agree more with this comment,its crazy,i cant see the rationalization for these people,how many churches have caved in killing all the worshippers,how many golden buddas have capsized on rivers drowning worshipers etc etc,millions of cases of religious people meeting untimely deaths in places of worship,realy listening there then?not.how much death and suffering has been caused in religious wars through the ages,for something we cant see,hear,touch ,feel,smell,what does he do talk to her,these people are barking loony tunes living in a medieval, wonderland, blind faith, psychiatrists probably have a terminology for it,delusional,for f........sake get real.

• hollabackgurl | Aug 11, 2012, 11:07 AM EDT

  Nothing promotes atheism faster than a righteous lunatic like HermitTalker below banging on God and His Loving Gift whilst condemning his fellow man. Intolerable to read or endure.

• kevinhayes | Aug 11, 2012, 11:05 AM EDT

  What GOD? There is no GOD. Thanks for the medal, Katie. You can keep the god-bothering for the rest of your fellow poor deluded souls.

• SingleDonald | Aug 11, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT

  I respect Katie's religious beliefs. The thing which alienates most people is the evangellical position that everything is black & white, with no gray areas in between. Matthew, 5:28, as I have often said, is absurd, when taken literally. Yet, the evangellicals, and some conservative Catholics still hold it to be true, with "eternal damnation" awaiting those who won't say , "I'm sorry Lord", for every sexual fantasy engaged in. As far as thanking God for a victory, would those same people criticize the same God, following a loss?

• hermitTalker | Aug 11, 2012, 10:52 AM EDT

  Katie is as I wrote already, PENTECOSTAL. No Christian that I know belongs to the "cult" of "Roma,"all genuine CHRISTIANS accept the same Faith as the first Bishop of Rome did, even if they split off into different sections. St Peter who was crucifed in Rome for his Faith in JESUS the CHRIST, and his buried under the Altar in St Peter's Basilica. portia and dr lewelyn and old mariner and Mr Roberts, and IC in general, your Catholic-spin articles are like puppies with a slipper, fun to watch but a stupid exercise. I know some of it is writtent to stir the pot, but I hope to continue to offer balance, and correct facts and show bias when it smells too much. Combining human intelligence, God's Grace, as in His loving Gift of His life for we sinners AND hard work at training for boxing, sacrifice, dedication and commitment are all part of a successful human life, no one part is excised, even if we do not know or credit it properly or at first.

• Porickseantuny | Aug 11, 2012, 10:49 AM EDT

  I question whether God has interest in an activity the objective of which is to have one of his rational creations knock another of his creations irrational.

• hermitTalker | Aug 11, 2012, 10:35 AM EDT

  I saw and heard her all the way before and at the end. She did not say that God ensured her of winning, that is raw idolatry. She is a Pentecostal, her way of sspeaking is typical of the breed. IF you heard her classmates, school principal from secondary days, her mother and father and about their respect for her character and her commitment and all their sacrifices you might understand. Thank God an Ethiopian female Copt Xtian showed the Madonna she had under her shirt when she won, other athletes expressed their faith, attended Mass and prayed quietly and more. Beats the reported 10 K condoms provided for "relief."

• JimmyJK | Aug 11, 2012, 10:33 AM EDT

  You can not DENY and/or IGNORE the fact that people have spiritual beliefs.... get over it! Freedom of speech and Freedom of religion, be tolerant to all who are good people....

• Liam3494 | Aug 11, 2012, 10:31 AM EDT

  WTF? As an Irish Atheist, I have no problem whatsoever in Katie giving thanks to her God, something she is firmly committed to. This article is totally unfair, and some of the comments below show little knowledge of her religious beliefs, she is not a Catholic, amazingly enough, to some, not everyone who is proud to be Irish is!

• Silling | Aug 11, 2012, 10:31 AM EDT

  Dieu Et Mon Droit. N'oublie pas ce dicton Monsieur Roberts. God And My Right. Don't forget this saying Mister Roberts. Freedom of thought is as important as that of speech. If Katie Taylor was an 18th century atheist, she would be burned at the stake for heresy. Back off Patrick or we will put the puissogs on you.

• Springfield9 | Aug 11, 2012, 10:29 AM EDT

  OH, I suppose that if I put her comments in the perspective of life time consumed, she didn't occupy .000000001% of my life. Over the last decade I have heard every variety of evangelical. I just tune it out without any hard feelings.

• donaghmckeown | Aug 11, 2012, 10:28 AM EDT

  Hi Patrick Thanks for sharing your view on Katie Taylor sharing her views. What's the problem with her sharing her belief in why she won her medal. Is there a law about expressing her views, whether they are religious or political. Your reaction to what is free speech tells me more about your personal response to what she said. Why should there be any anti reaction here in Ireland. Many of us would aspire to a higher power that influences our lives. That can be those of us fighting private battles or Olympic finals. Who am I to say that a "deity" is or isn't watching an Olympic final. It might be her conviction that the same deity is watching all of us. My view on god may be slightly different than that of Katie Taylor's. I certainly don't feel threatened or want such expression of faith being condemned or stunted If you believe her "God influenced" win had nothing to do with it, that's an opinion I respect. I ask that you also respect that her view that "god" did effect her victory. We'll manage to survive such statements by those in the public eye here in Ireland. Thanks for your concern

• Billyboy17 | Aug 11, 2012, 10:26 AM EDT

  Wonderful that Katie represented Ireland so well and winning the gold was the icing. Moreover, thanking God for her talents and skills is certainly admirable but when an athlete thanks God for winning (and I don't know that that is what she said), it somehow gives the impression that the Good Lord did not look kindly upon the opponent. I don't think God picks winners and losers in the world of sport.

• Rebelforce | Aug 11, 2012, 10:23 AM EDT

  Somebody at Irishcentral must have told Pat he needs to generate more comments from readers. LOL

• porkheaven | Aug 11, 2012, 10:18 AM EDT

  god is in our lives whether or not you like it or not. That she believes you must give her credit.

• donal1951 | Aug 11, 2012, 10:17 AM EDT

  She has the right to credit the Almighty if that's the way she believes. Others have a right to credit her hard work and natural talent.

• Nicoletta | Aug 11, 2012, 10:14 AM EDT

  Patrick Roberts, this article speaks far more of you than it does of Katie Taylor. Many of the successful Olympians had the humility to credit God for their achievements and I for one thank God for their brave witness!

• Spatrick11 | Aug 11, 2012, 09:59 AM EDT

  This site has always confused me. Ireland and Irish America is overwhelmingly Catholic/Christian and yet the authors here consistently denigrate people of faith and members of the Catholic Church. The shallowness of the attack on this girl is thoughtless and intolerant. In addition I saw nowhere where she said God ensured her that she would have her medal, so it appears factually inaccurate also. It is impossible to divorce faith from politics and/or sports unless you want emptiness instead of depth and truth. She is who she is and I applaud her courage for subjecting herself to the vitriolic attack from someone who is bitter towards religion and people of faith and has the means to spread that bitterness publicly.

• DrTrelawney | Aug 11, 2012, 09:58 AM EDT

  I've no time for religion Portia, but, given that Katie is a born-again Pentecostalist, I can't see what she has to do with the "cult of Roma".

• faberm1 | Aug 11, 2012, 09:56 AM EDT

  Leave her alone to believe whatever she wants to believe. Stop being the "thought police". O'Dowd.... have your own beliefs but stop trying to dictate the beliefs of others.

• skellmeyer | Aug 11, 2012, 09:53 AM EDT

  Hate much?

• OldMariner | Aug 11, 2012, 09:51 AM EDT

  I wonder if she killed or serious maimed an opponent, a distinct possibility in her sport, would she still praise Jesus for winning. I generally don't agree with your opinions Mr O'Dowd but here you are spot on.

• Portia777 | Aug 11, 2012, 09:46 AM EDT

  Bless her. It is the programming that many people object to. Katie has never known anything else but being a member of the cult of Roma. She believes in the invisible man in the sky, rather than believing it is HERSELF that has done it all. It is her lack of belief in herself that forces her to project all onto some super hero male called god.

• DrTrelawney | Aug 11, 2012, 09:45 AM EDT

  Good luck with this column, mate. You're about to stir up a mess of hate.

• fusciacork | Aug 11, 2012, 09:42 AM EDT

  we live in a democracy here in Ireland the last time I checked , so if someone wishes to believe their religious beliefs helps them through the good times as well as the bad times...then so be it and they are perfectly entitled to voice that belief when they are talking about themselves. So would the begrudge rs just get over themselves and just be glad for the girl.

• Tooreenagrena | Aug 11, 2012, 09:42 AM EDT

  You moan about Katie being religious and annoying you - well too bad. She just won an Olympic gold and can say what she wants. As for boring people with your beliefs - do me a favour and keep your boring atheist rantings to yourself.

• mcdolan | Aug 11, 2012, 09:34 AM EDT

  This column is way over the top. If course she has a right to make her statement; it's what she believes and in her opinion her faith was her deliverance Would you be criticising a Muslim who thanked Allah or a Buddhist or a Hindu? Listeners can accept or reject as they see fit but I will defend the winner's right to thank whomever or whatever they like.

• JimmieM | Aug 11, 2012, 09:32 AM EDT

  So...you "special" person that you are expect this young girl to lie about her beliefs so that you "special" person can feel better about yourself?

• weeknocky | Aug 11, 2012, 09:16 AM EDT

  What is wrong with it? Isn't she entitled to express her opinion just as you are? I have no problem with anyone expressing their religious views. Why be so anti-religion?

• jedswims | Aug 11, 2012, 09:02 AM EDT

  She hasevery right in the world to make that statement...If she firmly believes that God ensures her win it also encouraged her to perservere to achieve her goal...

• gordongoblin | Aug 11, 2012, 09:02 AM EDT

  You got it exactly right. It is her hard work and training that got her there, not divine intervention. If it was divine intervention she'd have to give the medal back for cheating.