Kate O’Connor Celebrated with Hero’s Welcome in Dundalk

Irish athlete Kate O’Connor returned to a hero’s welcome in her hometown of Dundalk on the evening of September 27, 2023. The World Athletics Championships silver medallist was greeted with cheers from a large crowd, including enthusiastic children from her athletics club, Dundalk St Gerard’s, and pupils from her former school, St Vincent’s Secondary School. The atmosphere was jubilant as a brass band played in celebration of her remarkable achievement in the heptathlon.

During the event, Fintan Reilly, deputy president of Athletics Ireland, and Paul Cheshire, chairman of St Gerard’s AC, joined O’Connor on stage. Her father and coach, Michael O’Connor, was also present, alongside her mother, Valerie, and grandmother, Madeleine. Emcee Paul Martin praised O’Connor’s accomplishments, noting the pride she instilled in her community and country.

Reflecting on her time in Japan, where she won the coveted silver medal, O’Connor expressed her surprise at the scale of support she received. “While I was there, I knew there were lots of people excited about what I had achieved, but it is only in coming to events like this that I realized how many people are interested in what I’ve done,” she stated.

O’Connor’s journey in the heptathlon, which comprises seven events over two days, was physically demanding. She recounted the tight schedule, stating, “On the Friday night, I was going to bed at 1 a.m. and then had to be up at 6 a.m. on the Saturday.” Her performance not only earned her a silver medal but also a new Irish record of 6,714 points.

In his remarks, Paul Martin highlighted the sense of pride felt by the entire community. He conveyed the admiration for O’Connor’s role as a role model for young athletes. O’Connor acknowledged the increased pressure she felt during the World Championships but emphasized the importance of perseverance. “If I was offered one medal this year, I would have jumped on it, but to win four medals at international events is incredible,” she shared.

Joining the ranks of Irish athletics legends like Sonia O’Sullivan and Derval O’Rourke has been a significant source of inspiration for O’Connor. “To receive messages from these people, who were my idols growing up, but now to be in the same sentence as them is surreal,” she remarked.

Among the young fans present to celebrate was Niamh Ryan, a 9-year-old from Carlingford. “I’m very proud of her. I’ve met her at Glenmore Athletics track at Bush Post-primary school,” Ryan expressed, showcasing the impact O’Connor has on the next generation.

In a more personal note, Michael O’Connor confirmed that his daughter would undergo an MRI on her right knee to assess a strain from the long jump event during the heptathlon. “She was meant to stay in Japan for a couple of weeks, but we decided the best course of action was to return home for an assessment,” he explained.

He also emphasized the need for investment in coaching and resources for athletes in Ireland, noting the presence of world-class coaches. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my coaching. Accessing information is easy; the hard part is picking up the phone,” he said, underscoring the importance of support in elite athletics.

As Kate O’Connor continues her journey, her achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across Ireland and beyond, reminding them that dreams can be realized through hard work and determination.