Westlife to perform at Katie Taylor's Croke Park farewell bout

Irish pop group Westlife will perform at Croke Park on Saturday, September 5, 2026, ahead of Katie Taylor's final professional boxing match against Frances Flora Pili. The event, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, is set to be a historic night for Irish sport, with Taylor aiming to become a three-time undisputed world champion in front of an expected crowd of 80,000 fans. The Bray native will defend her WBA, WBO, and IBF superlightweight titles. The vacant WBC belt and Pili's IBO title will also be on the line. Pili, an undefeated challenger, is 11 years younger than Taylor. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN worldwide and for free on RTÉ in Ireland. Westlife, who have previously performed six sold-out shows at the stadium, expressed their pride in the invitation. "We are so honoured to be asked by Katie to perform at this historic night," the group stated. "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." Their performance precedes their 25th anniversary tour, which begins with a 13-night residency at Dublin's 3Arena on September 11, 2026.