Dublin homecoming planned to celebrate Ireland’s most successful Olympics

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 on the gold medals table overall.

Daniel Wiffen, 23, won gold in the men’s 800 metres final and also took a bronze in the men’s 1500 metres final.

Rhys McClenaghan, 25 and 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.

Dublin City Council has also allowed street traders to operate at the homecoming.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon had said that street vendors “are indelibly associated with the inner city”, and as a result should be allowed to work at the homecoming celebrations.

“We have agreed to issue a small number of special licences for the event. Interested parties must have applications in by 12pm tomorrow to the Casual Trading Section.

“They will not be allowed to trade on O’Connell Street as per the bye laws but will be permitted on side streets. All designated traders are unaffected.”

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!”

“We have agreed to issue a small number of special licences for the event. Interested parties must have applications in by 12pm tomorrow to the Casual Trading Section.

“They will not be allowed to Trade on O’Connell St as per the Bye Laws but will be permitted on side streets. All designated traders are unaffected.”

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.”