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The Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr. Baby Pereppadan welcomed some of the South Dublin Athletes who represented Ireland at the recent Paris Olympics to a reception in County Hall.
Olympic Taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley, Irish Men’s Hockey Olympian Shane O’Donoghue and Olympic swimmer Ellen Walshe were in attendance, with Irish Rugby 7’s player Terry Kennedy represented by Paudge McGill of St. Mary’s College RFC and Athletics star Rhasidat Adeleke represented by her mother Adewumi.
The athletes were joined by local elected officials, family members, club members and local volunteers for a reception to honour their achievements and impact with all present commenting on the sense of pride they have brought to South Dublin.
The event also honoured and acknowledged the work of local sports clubs, such as Templeogue Swimming Club, Glenanne Hockey Club and Tallaght Athletic Club which have helped the Athletes achieve their success, with members of St. Mary’s Boxing also in attendance. St. Mary’s boxing club, based in Tallaght is the home of Olympian Gráinne Walsh and double Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington.
The event concluded with a Q&A with the Athletes present and The Echo Newspapers Will O’Connor, discussing their experiences at the Paris Olympics and what is next for them on their sporting journey.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of South Dublin, Councillor Baby Perappadan said; “As an avid sports fan, I know very well the impact and the effect that sport has on a nation and on the local communities within that nation. Club members here in South Dublin from Athletics, Boxing, Rugby, Swimming & Taekwando all stood taller, knowing that their guy or girl was there at the Olympics, performing at the pinnacle of sporting achievement.”
Elaine Leech, Director of Housing, Social and Community Development at South Dublin County Council added; “Those athletes who represented Ireland and our local clubs in Athletics, Boxing, Hockey, Rugby, Swimming and Taekwando were introduced to their sport by volunteer coaches and I would also like to pay warm tribute to them for the great social benefit they have brought to our community.”
“The South Dublin Olympians have created an ethos of success and respect for your sport, your club and your area. We will look to support that so that you can continue the path for this and the next generation for Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.”
