In a league of their own

By Finnian Cox

Some of Cork’s greatest Olympians were honoured recently as more than 700 guests attended the Team Ireland Centenary Olympic Ball in Dublin.

It was a special event to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ireland’s first Olympic appearance. The event was attended by almost 300 athletes who competed for Ireland over the years, joined by sponsors and partners, as well as Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos. As well as recognising every athlete in attendance with a number, the evening also featured an awards ceremony, which commended several athletes for their outstanding achievements. Alongside the rest of Ireland’s Paris 2024 medallists, double Olympic rowing champion and Skibbereen native Paul O’Donovan won the PTSB Inspiring a Nation award for his gold medal win.

He accepted the award with Kellie Harrington, Rhys McClenaghan, Daniel Wiffen, Fintan McCarthy, Philip Doyle, and Mona McSharry. Rower Daire Lynch was also named in the award but was unable to attend on the evening.

As with Olympic medals, O’Donovan wasn’t finished with one award. He was also presented with the Deloitte Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognised his numerous victories on the water.

O’Donovan is the only Irish athlete who has won a medal at three consecutive Olympic Games and has been unbeaten at the World Rowing Championships since 2016.

Allianz presented their Olympic Legacy award to Cobh’s Sonia O’Sullivan, whose victories at Sydney 2000 are widely viewed as a pivotal moment for Irish athletes. As well as her success as an athlete, O’Sullivan was appointed to lead and represent Team Ireland at the London Olympic Games, as their Chef De Mission.

The night was hosted by MCs and Olympians Greg O’Shea and David Gillick, with words from both Minister Thomas Byrne and Capralos.

As well as the awards ceremonies, the night saw performances from a number of artists, including the Galway Tenors and Liam O’Connor, Nicole Lonergan on the electric fiddle, and a video compilation of moments made by Inform Media.