Team Ireland made history at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, securing their best-ever medal tally with four gold and three bronze across four sports. This remarkable achievement capped a thrilling 17 days of competition, with Ireland’s athletes delivering unforgettable moments on the world’s stage.
In a dramatic highlight, Dublin’s Kellie Harrington successfully defended her Olympic title in boxing, winning a split decision near midnight at Roland-Garros. The victory cemented her status as one of Ireland’s greatest Olympians. Elsewhere, Skibbereen’s Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy triumphed in the lightweight double sculls, retaining their Olympic gold and making O’Donovan the first Irish athlete to win medals at three Olympic Games.
Rowing was a standout for Ireland, with O’Donovan’s victory followed by a historic bronze in the men’s double sculls by Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch, marking Ireland’s first heavyweight rowing medal at the Olympics.
Swimming also saw significant success, with Mona McSharry claiming a bronze in the 100m breaststroke after a nail-biting finish. Her time of 1:05.59 narrowly edged out her competitors, earning her a place in Irish sporting history. Armagh’s Daniel Wiffen, already a World Champion, followed up with a gold in the 800m freestyle, holding off the USA’s Bobby Finke in the final 150m. Although Wiffen settled for bronze in the 1500m freestyle, his performance solidified his position as one of Ireland’s rising stars.
In gymnastics, Co Down’s Rhys McClenaghan added an Olympic gold to his already impressive collection of world and European titles, performing a flawless routine on the pommel horse. McClenaghan’s achievement was hailed as one of the toughest finals in history, with the gymnast reflecting on his long-held dream of Olympic success.
The Games also saw near-misses for Team Ireland, with the women’s 4x400m relay team finishing just outside the medal positions in a dramatic final. Despite not securing a podium finish, their performance highlighted Ireland’s growing strength in athletics.
The Irish contingent was a prominent presence at many venues, with loud and passionate support evident at swimming, rowing, golf, and athletics. While Team Ireland celebrated their successes, the atmosphere in Paris was filled with excitement, from the thrilling storms that marked the nights to the intense competition on display.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Irish sports officials are already planning for continued success. A delegation from the Olympic Federation of Ireland has visited the city, and new President Lochlann Walsh is focused on securing additional funding to build on Ireland’s performance in Paris.
As Ireland’s athletes continue their preparations, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will remain a memorable chapter in the nation’s sporting history. With future stars in the making, Team Ireland is poised to make even more waves on the world stage.
