On Monday afternoon, a massive crowd graced O’Connell Street in Dublin to welcome Team Ireland home following their triumphant return from the Paris Olympics. The event was a partnership between the Dublin City Council and the Olympic Federation of Ireland, marking the first borough reception held in honour of Ireland’s most decorated Olympic squad.
O’Connor Street, a key artery in Dublin, was teeming with ardent followers who gathered to enjoy the homecoming festivities for the Irish athletes. Among the eminent guests present were Irish Olympians Fintan McCarthy, Daniel Wiffen, Mona McSharry, Philip Doyle, Daire Lynch and Rhys McClenaghan, who proudly displayed their hard-earned medals.
A heartwarming highlight of the event saw Kellie Harrington, the homecoming heroine, warmly embracing 9-year-old fan, Maisie Farrell. Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch also took centre stage during the event. Doyle, a gold medallist in men’s double sculls rowing, wore his medal with pride, as did Lynch.
Fintan McCarthy, wearing his gold medal for triumphing in the men’s lightweight double sculls in the rowing event, shared the limelight. Similarly, Rhys McClenaghan, the gold medal champion in men’s pommel horse competition, was a centre of attention.
Mona McSharry, the bronze medallist in the women’s 100m breaststroke, proudly wore her medal, along with Daniel Wiffin, who displayed both his gold and bronze medals won in the men’s 800m and 1500m freestyle.
Adding to the event’s excitement were Sophie Becker, Sharlene Mawdsley and Kelly McGrory from the track and field team. Kellie Harrington was seen on Sean McDermott Street mingling with fans. The double Olympic gold medallist expressed her joy at being home after another victorious Olympic campaign.