It was a big treat to meet up with former world champion boxer, Deirdre Gogarty, yesterday as she revisited the streets of her childhood in Drogheda.

Despite her ferocity in the ring, Deirdre is an absolute lady in “real life”. Yesterday she chatted with people who approached her and was very generous with her time.

Posing for photos at Drogheda’s Laurence’s iconic Gate with her eight year-old son Celtan Morrison and sister Adrienne Gogarty, Deirdre was very relaxed ahead of what is going to be a busy weekend.

Deirdre, Ireland's first woman professional boxer and world champion, will be guest of honour and sitting ringside on Saturday when Katie Taylor headlines a huge card in the 3Arena in an historic clash with undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena.

When she was just eleven years old and starting to make her way in the world of boxing, Katie used to write to Deirdre who was her absolute hero and the only female boxer that she knew. "To have Deirdre sitting ringside when I hopefully make history on Saturday will be an absolute dream” Katie said.

Deirdre is also very excited about meeting one of the greatest female boxers of all time and to be invited to sit ringside. The Katie Taylor fight is not the main reason for Deirdre’s homecoming however, this Friday night in the Crescent Concert Hall she will be the main attraction at a function being organised to raise funds for a statue to be erected of Deirdre in her former hometown.

These days Deirdre is a trainer at Ragin’ Cajun gym in Lafayette, Louisiana which is where she lives. home with her her husband and children. Her dedication to boxing was recognised in 2015, when she was admitted in to the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame.

Tickets for this very special event, which is being organised by the Deirdre Gogarty Legacy Committee and includes a stellar line-up from the world of Irish boxing, cost €12 for adults and €6 for children (Strictly 16 and under) and are available to purchase by CLICKING HERE.

One sad note from yesterday is that, just as the photo shoot was coming to an end Deirdre noticed that the building where her late father, dental surgeon Des Gogarty, had his practice, was vacant and all boarded up.