As the Irish sportsmen gazed over the multitude of people, even the statues seemed energised, mimicking the triumphant poses. Eminent Irish trade union leader, Jim Larkin, held a powerful stance from his pedestal in the heart of O’Connell Street, his arms elevated high. It was a day of jubilation as Ireland’s revered Olympic champions returned home, receiving a tremendously warm reception.
They attained remarkable achievements in varied sports categories during the Paris Olympics. Their accomplishments and the grandeur of their homecoming emerged in stark contrast to sports like sailing, golf and horse-related events which some believe should be removed from the Olympic lineup. One amongst the returning heroes was Kellie Harrington, a two-time Olympic champion boxer from Portland Row, who was greeted by an elated crowd on her return.
Both the athletes and the spectators had earned this moment. Incredibly, this was the first time Dublin had hosted a public reception for an Irish Olympic team. This grand assembly on O’Connell Street reaffirmed the Irish people’s affection for their athletic heroes and their joy in celebrating their achievements. The vibrant homecoming had all the excitement and mirth of St. Patrick’s Day at the General Post Office, but without the accompanying inebriation and rain.
Young children found the event a splendid way to end their summer vacations. They vigorously cheered for their sports heroes, both familiar and new, as they showcased their shining Olympic medals, offering a dream to countless wide-eyed admirers. Many young boys and girls looked at their idols with aspiration, thinking they might one day be in their place.
Despite the sweltering heat, eager supporters began to assemble long before the scheduled start, braving the exhausting wait and the taxing weather to catch a glimpse of the returning team.
At last, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived when Joint Master of Ceremonies, Marty Morrissey announced the arrival of the Taoiseach. Joining him were the Lord Mayor of Dublin, adorned with his ceremonial chain, Minister of State for Sport, Thomas Byrne, and a quite awestruck Minister for Integration, Roderic O’ Gorman, who was busy capturing the event on his phone. It was indeed a day of celebration and national pride.
With a quivering excitement, the Taoiseach delivered his words at an awe-inspiring pace, gasping for respite. “I express a profound gratitude to these heroes and heroines on your behalf, as they have invigorated our nation,” he exclaimed passionately.
“They have sparked a fire in every young heart across Ireland…representing a newfound belief that they can be the absolute best. They can hold the honour of representing Ireland and bring home medals. That’s what their achievements entail.”
Indeed, this was backed up with overwhelming agreement from an enthusiastic cacophony from the younger voices.
Aspiring dreamers like 12-year-old Nessa Moloney, who made a long journey from Aherlow alongside her mum Martina, dad Stuart, sister Doireann, and cousin Ciara. Nessa held aloft a handmade poster, a depiction of Sharlene Mawdsley in full sprint against a backdrop of fluttering flags and the Parisian landmark, the Eiffel Tower. It was adorned with a ‘Congratulations’ and a ‘Tiobraid Árann Abú’.
While her appreciation for Sharlene, a fellow Tipperary native, is evident, Nessa equally respects the entire relay team. “I have admiration for the entire team. They are indeed remarkable”. At her local Mooreabbey Milers AC, she’s honed her passion for cross-country running. Her personal ambition? To be an Olympian.
The Monday afternoon celebration at O’Connell Street was host to four gold medallists, but James Geoghegan, the Lord Mayor, wowed the crowd with the largest collection of gold adorned around his neck. He had reached a level of excitement even higher than that of Harris, leading the crowd in a chorus of Olé, Óle, Olé, until the political figures were gently led off the scene.
The recognition ceremony commenced with both Marty and co-presenter Joanne Cantwell taking turns to interact with athlete groups from various specialties. Depicting a double-gold medalist, Kellie “Kell-E! Kell-E!” Harrington, her bouncing silky hair contained by a clip and sporting sunglasses, was seen leading the boxers onto the visually striking green stage.
The cheering crowd rallied not only for Harrington, but also the entire youthful boxing team’s remarkable performance in Paris.
“She couldn’t help but express her awe,” she stated, during the initial phase of her split homecoming event. As evening fell, she was celebrated by friends and those from her neighbourhood, as she took a proud tour around Portland Row, the inner-city northern street where she grew up and continues to reside.
“Your support means everything to us, from the depths of all our hearts,” she conveyed.
The crowd extended from the main stand at the GPO, down beyond the junction of Abbey Street. Onlookers fortunate enough to find vantage points in high-rise buildings lining O’Connell Street contributed to the display of national pride.
Enthusiastic cheers filled the air for the women’s 400m relay athletes, and once more for bronze medalist Mona McSharry, who was still revelling in her triumphant swim. The two-time gold medalist gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan, disappointingly used the stairs instead of his skills to ascend the platform.
Echoing her incredible feats, she described the warm welcome home as her “dream come true”. A large portion of the female spectators were seen copying Rhasidat Adeleke’s fashion of large white bows in their hair.
Fintan McCarthy, repeat gold rowing champ, gave a glimmer of hope for another potential medal win in a new category at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Many fans couldn’t help but observe his uncanny resemblance to famed actor Matt Damon.
Gold and bronze winner, swimmer Daniel Wiffen, delighted the crowd with his relaxed and humorous take on his impressive victories. He amiably posed for selfies with audience members before returning to the stage for his jacket and another moment at the mic. His cry of thanks, followed by a famous football chant, riled up the elated crowd once more, still revelling in the team’s historic achievements.
Ten-year-old Aaron Keating from Tallaght owned a Tricolour, which he had received during his First Communion and carried with him to various places. It bore signatures from numerous people, including those from Spike Island and the Titanic as well as all the Shamrock Rovers players. Aaron hoped to secure autographs from Olympic athletes on his flag and confessed his aspiration of becoming an Olympian someday.
Stephen, Aaron’s father, was deserving of a medal as he had his sons, Aaron and seven-year-old Ciaran, climbing all over him during the event.
During this celebratory event, hats and flags were in high demand. Jackie, a vendor stationed at Abbey Street’s corner, shared that the tri-coloured bucket hats were selling like hotcakes at £10 each due to the sunny weather. Additionally, she revealed that small flags, costing £5 for a pair, were a hit among the youngsters who fashioned them into their hairbands.
According to Jackie, the sale of registration plate-shaped plaques, known locally as Kellie “reges,” was expected to spike later in the day. She believed that many in the Portland Row community had already gathered the merchandise due to the abundance of local traders.
The festivities concluded with a stunning performance of the ballad Grace by Dublin artist Róisín O, a favourite of Harrington’s, which she performed again after clinching the title. Although the ballad narrates the execution of Joseph Mary Plunkett in 1916 and ends on a sombre note, it resonated with the Irish crowd that was there to celebrate.
In tune with the athletic spirit and dreams of aspiring Olympians, the crowd flocked to the new Decathlon sports shop in the Clerys building. However, the fast food joints Supermacs and McDonald’s were more popular.
Overheard outside the GPO, two boys were arguing over the size of Kellie’s gold medal, with one asserting that it was indeed larger than a digestive biscuit.