Team Ireland Boxing was welcomed to two Paris 2024 Homecoming events today. The first was at Áras an an Uachtarain by President Higgins this morning, and in the afternoon to a special reception at Dublin Castle, hosted by the Olympic Federation of Ireland.
An Taoiseach, Simon Harris, and the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill recognised the athletes’ performances at the event, which included over 70 Olympians.
Team Ireland Boxing were accompanied by Team Ireland Support Staff, including Performance Analyst Alan Swanton and Nutritionist, Dr. Sharon Madigan.
Before the Games, the number of athletes named by Ireland for the Olympic Games was 133, the final number of Olympians who competed for Team Ireland in the Paris Olympics rose to 136. Team Ireland Boxing was the largest since 1960, at 10 boxers – Kellie Harrington made history by defending her Tokyo lightweight title, and bringing home a second gold from Paris.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD
“It was a pleasure to enjoy the performances of our athletes in Paris this summer. Over the past number of years we have increased the level of funding into our high performance sports, and this summer our athletes made everyone so proud of their achievements. Not only was it the most successful Games for Ireland in terms of Olympic medals, athletes across a wide range of sports enjoyed more personal best performances, and top ten results than ever before.”
Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD “This summer drove home the importance of having role models. The Olympics, and Paralympics, have captured the imagination of people around the country, in particular young people. I have no doubt that we will start to see the benefits of the performances of the Olympic Games on children inspired by their role models in the coming years.”
Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland “Today was a special day where the Team Ireland Olympians were recognised for their achievements in Paris. What they achieved inspired and moved people right around the country, and they should be hugely proud of themselves.
“For the LA 2028 Olympic cycle, we intend to build on a very well-executed Games in Paris this summer. We look forward to using our many learnings as we prepare for ten multi-sport Games events between now and LA, nurturing another generation of athletes for Olympic success.”
Gavin Noble, Team Ireland Chef de Mission for Paris 2024 “It was really great to reflect on a successful summer today, both in the Áras and Dublin Castle. 100 years ago Team Ireland walked into the Olympic Games arena for the first time, also in Paris. This summer it was fitting that we enjoyed a centenary celebration that included many firsts, many personal bests, our largest ever Olympic team, and our most successful medal haul.
“It was an opportunity for us to celebrate the Team Behind the Team today, as well as the athletes. The role that the Performance Directors, coaches and wider support team play in the success of the athletes cannot be understated.”
Dr. Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland said, “We are incredibly proud of Team Ireland’s achievements at the Olympic Games. Their success highlights the vital importance of collaboration between the Government, Sport Ireland, and the OFI. We extend our sincere thanks to the Government for its unwavering support and commitment to Irish sport. Their additional funding commitment is vital in creating future success.
“For our part, we were delighted to see our partnership with the OFI, with the Sport Ireland Institute operating as the Performance Support Delivery Partner to Team Ireland, reap such dividends. It’s great to see how, together, we are building a bright future for Irish athletes on the world stage.”