Gogarty in Five Facts

She fought her first professional fight in Ireland in 1991. After this, a law was passed in Ireland preventing women from participating in boxing events. Unable to fight in her home country, Gogarty moved to Louisiana. 

In 1996, she fought Christy Martin in a six-round match that was televised on Showtime. The fight made the cover of numerous magazines. Many people see this as a pivotal moment for women's boxing. 

In 1997 she became the first Irishwoman to win a boxing title, taking the Women's World Featherweight Championship. 

After her success she briefly returned to Ireland where she caught the attention of 10-year-old Katie Taylor, who wrote to Gogarty and later met her, seeking her advice.  

Gogarty is now a coach at the Ragin' Cajun Boxing Club and a speaker who talks about the power of resilience and determination. 

Illustration credit: Polly Rowbottom