Praise pours in for Kellie Harrington as she strikes Olympic gold in Tokyo!

Setting the alarm clock for ten to six proved to be thoroughly worth it as Kellie Harrington unanimously beat Brazil's reigning champion, Beatriz Ferreira, to win the lightweight boxing final in Tokyo.

After a punishing open round in which she was second best, the Dublin fighter made some technical adjustments and then proceeded to fight the bout of her life.

Hot Press weren't the only ones up at silly o'clock with this the pick of the reaction so far...

Speaking on behalf of the country, President Michael D. Higgins says: "My warmest congratulations to Kellie Harrington on winning her gold medal at the Olympic Games. Hers is an exceptional achievement, and she is an inspiration for us all.”

"Kellie Harrington won that fight on a unanimous decision after losing the first round," proffers RTE pundit Jacqui Hurley. "That in itself is incredible. That might be one of the best performances we’ve ever seen by an Irish athlete.

"What a star. Don't forget, a frontline worker who brought a lot of joy with her videos during the depths of the pandemic. Now Olympic Champion, congratulations," says fellow boxer Andy Lee.

"I am so, so happy and proud this morning," enthuses her fellow Olympic gold medal winner, Michael Carruth. "What an amazing fight! Enjoy the celebrations, welcome to the champ club."

Adds Barry McGuigan: "Massive congratulations. What an outstanding achievement!"

🥇@Kelly64kg is OLYMPIC CHAMPION!

She beats Beatriz Ferreira by unanimous decision to take victory for Ireland #olympics #tokyo2020 #RTESport #boxing #kellieharrington

📺 Watch live - https://t.co/IpdMKF55tD

📱 Updates – https://t.co/huAtW8EXqg pic.twitter.com/OWB3w71T3g

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 8, 2021

Don’t forget one of the unsung heroes - Natually delighted for Christy, Yvonne, Kellie’s brothers and her community. But lots of credit and love for Kellie’s partner, Mandy, who has played a huge supporting role in #kellieharrington Olympics success. Well done, Mandy! ❤️🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) August 8, 2021

#Boxing

"I eat, sleep & breathe boxing. I’ve had heartbreak. I know what it is to fail & I know how hard it is to pick yourself back up. This is why I am who I am, and why I am here today – because I’m not afraid of failure"

- Kellie Harrington#TeamIreland #HakunaMatata pic.twitter.com/WwdgnumN3h

— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) August 8, 2021

This moment captures what a champion @Kelly64kg is. Such an authentically brilliant person and an amazing sport star ⭐️🥇 what a role model #kellieharrington 👏👏👏 https://t.co/bm06zkXs67

— Henry Shefflin (@ShefflinHenry) August 8, 2021

St Vincent’s Hospital Fairview, where Kellie Harrington works as a cleaner, says they’re delighted with their staff member!

“We are so proud of her and we look forward to seeing her back here at the hospital, at a time that’s convenient for her, in the coming days” pic.twitter.com/pk7w63h9PI

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) August 8, 2021

With the eyes of the country on her amid one of her greatest moments, Kellie Harrington is quick to share the credit with her coach at home, Noel Burke; to shout out Anna Moore, a cherished Irish-boxing figure; and to quote her brother. Different class. pic.twitter.com/yNwEneRHKY

— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) August 5, 2021