Katie Taylor's Farewell Fight at Croke Park with Westlife

Katie Taylor’s last walk to the ring at Croke Park will come with a soundtrack Ireland knows by heart.

Westlife have been confirmed as the headline performers for Saturday night’s farewell fight, adding a layer of pop nostalgia and national emotion to an already historic occasion for the Bray fighter.

The Irish group will perform as part of the pre-fight and in-arena entertainment around Taylor’s final professional bout, which is expected to feature a deeply charged last ring walk in front of more than 80,000 fans. Taylor faces undefeated French fighter Flora Pili as she aims to close out her career as a three-time undisputed world champion.

Westlife, speaking about the invitation, said they were “so honoured” to be asked by Taylor to be part of the night, calling her an inspiration to the entire country. “She has inspired the whole country and we couldn’t be prouder to perform for her at Croke Park, a stadium that also means so much to us,” the band said.

The setting could hardly be more familiar for them. Westlife have already sold out Croke Park six times, turning the Dublin venue into their own pop stronghold over the years. Their catalogue speaks for itself: more than 55 million records sold worldwide, 16 Irish No.1 singles, 14 UK chart-toppers and a run of hits that defined an era, from Flying Without Wings and Queen of My Heart to You Raise Me Up.

Their appearance on Saturday lands just days before another milestone in the band’s own story. On 10 September, they begin a record-breaking 13-night residency at Dublin’s 3Arena as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations, underlining their enduring pull with Irish audiences.

Further acts for the Croke Park event are expected to be announced later this week, building out a card that now blends one of Ireland’s greatest sporting careers with one of its most successful pop exports.

For those not inside the stadium, Katie Taylor v Flora Pili will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with radio commentary on RTÉ 2FM and worldwide coverage on DAZN.

Inside Croke Park, though, the soundtrack, the fighter and the setting feel unmistakably Irish. Taylor’s final walk will not be a quiet one.