Ireland reacts to Kellie Harrington's historic Olympic gold medal

Kellie Harrington won gold at the Olympics in Paris after defeating China’s Wenlu Yang in the women’s 60kg final, with the Dubliner making history as the first Irish woman to win medals at successive Olympic Games.

Politicians, celebrities and public figures took to social media in reaction to the boxer's magnificent achievement.

The 34-year-old was labelled a "phenomenal sportsperson President Michael D Higgins on X, who congratulated the fighter on "her historic achievement in becoming a double Olympic champion with a wonderful Gold medal."

Taoiseach Simon Harris echoed the sentiment, describing Harrington's display as "tough, strategic and smart."

"Simply magnificent," he continued. "The entire country is watching your celebrations with joy and is hoarse from shouting you on. You deserve every beat of that applause and to savour every moment of that victory".

Opposition and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also shared her elation at the result, describing the champion as "the pride of Dublin's North Inner City."

There were mass celebrations in the capital, where the fight was streamed live in Diamond Park - just a short walk from where Harrington was raised on Portland Row.

The Inner City roared once more with pride for Kellie Harrington tonight. Immensely proud to be there watching the fight with my community, my good friends in Corinthians Boxing Club and @DanielEnnis2024 An stunning performance. #OlimpiadasParis2024 💚 🥇 pic.twitter.com/uUEQgM7CgV

— Gary Gannon TD (@GaryGannonTD) August 6, 2024

 

Harrington's gold marks an unprecedented fourth for Team Ireland at the Paris 2024, adding to first-place medals won by swimmer Daniel Wiffen, gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and the rowing pairing of Fintan McCarhty and Paul O'Donovan.

“It just gives hope," said Harrington following her victory. "All these young kids all these teenagers, it gives hope to them, it gives hope to the people of Ireland, that’s what it means, but this one was for me."