By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
A celebratory homecoming is to be held in Dublin city on Monday to mark Ireland’s most successful Olympic Games ever.
Four gold medals were won across various events at the Paris games, putting Ireland 13th in the gold medals table overall.
Daniel Wiffen (23) from Co Armagh won gold in the men’s 800 metres final and also took a bronze in the men’s 1,500 metres final.
Rhys McClenaghan (25) from Co Down won gold in the pommel horse final, in what he called his “redemption story”.
Three athletes retained their Olympic titles from the Tokyo games: Skibbereen rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy in the men’s lightweight double sculls; and Dubliner Kellie Harrington in the women’s 60kg boxing event.
Mona McSharry, from Co Sligo, won a bronze medal in the 100-metre breaststroke, while rowers Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch also won bronze.
Dublin City Council is organising an event in front of the GPO on Dublin’s O’Connell Street to celebrate their success.
The free event, which is the first time an Olympic team has received a civic reception in Ireland upon their return, begins at 12.30pm and is not ticketed.
The Paris games also marks 100 years since Ireland first participated in the Olympics – in the 1924 Games which were also hosted in the French capital.
Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan said: “We’ve all enjoyed watching the Irish athletes do us proud in Paris.
“Now is our chance to tell them in person just how proud we are of them.
“I have no doubt their efforts will have inspired lots of girls and boys all over the city and country to try and be like them some day.
“So come along to O’Connell St on Monday and let’s give the Irish Team a welcome home to remember!”
Team Ireland chef de mission Gavin Noble said: “Over the past few weeks our athletes have performed outstandingly, and have inspired the nation with their endeavours at the Olympic Games in Paris.
“We are really proud of each and every one of them, and we would like to thank Dublin City Council for hosting such a special event to honour them.”
