THOUSANDS OF EXCITED fans are making their way into Croke Park this evening for Katie Taylor’s historic final fight.

The streets are lined with people of every age who have followed the boxing legend throughout her career.

Her homecoming will see the Olympic gold medallist take on France’s Flora Pilli later tonight.

Katie Taylor fans mother Deirdre with Blake aged 13, father Paul and Tyler furphy aged 15 outside Croke Park before the big fight. Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Ahead of the match, thousands of people are in and around Croke Park soaking up the atmosphere.

Many in the crowd tonight would have watched Taylor’s triumphant gold medal in the London 2012 Olympics.

Fans outside Croke Park. Kate Henshaw / The Journal Kate Henshaw / The Journal / The Journal

Now, those who have supported her through their screens for over a decade are filing into the stadium to watch the undercard fights before the main event later tonight.

Fans eagerly file into Croke Park for the fight.

Lily and June Mulcahy from Cork told The Journal that they had gone to see Taylor four years ago and “couldn’t miss” the final fight tonight.

Lily and June Mulcahy from Cork Kate Henshaw / The Journal Kate Henshaw / The Journal / The Journal

They said that she is a “super role model for kids in Ireland”, as well as a “really humble girl”.

The Journal also spoke to Éanna Greene, whose niece Clodagh fought Flora Pilli, Taylor’s opponent tonight, in France in 2015. 

Greene described Taylor as a “heroine”, saying “she’s come from small beginnings”.

Richie Mc Cabe (right) and Éanna Greene (left). Kate Henshaw / The Journal Kate Henshaw / The Journal / The Journal

Greene said that he has known Taylor since she was small, and she has “pushed out the boundaries” and “made boxing for ladies in the world the biggest thing ever”. 

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“This is a historic night and a massive night for Ireland. If anyone says who represents Ireland… I think Katie Taylor is one of the first names that come up.”

One of the most striking things about the crowd around Croke Park is the huge age range.

It’s made up of everyone from long time Taylor fans to young children who have grown up watching the boxer. There are also a huge number of women in and around the stadium.

Fans Avril and Claudia Lenehan outside Croke Park before the big fight. Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Pubs are packed around the stadium, including in Drumcondra.

Kate Henshaw / The Journal Kate Henshaw / The Journal / The Journal

The long-awaited fight, organised by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and Aiken Promotions, is for the undisputed super-lightweight world title.

The pair are expected in the ring around 10.10pm, although this is subject to change depending on how the undercard fights play out.