European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Spyros Capralos praised Irish athletes and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) for their distinguished contribution to the Olympic Movement at the Team Ireland Centenary Olympic Ball held in Dublin.
Hosted by Team Ireland President Sarah Keane, EOC President Capralos and Ireland’s Minister for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne were among the guests at the event, and were joined by nearly 300 Irish Olympians.
Ireland marked 100 years since their first participation at an Olympic Games in style at Paris 2024, achieving record-breaking results with four gold and three bronze medals to place 19th on the medal table.
Among the Irish Olympic champions crowned in Paris, boxer Kellie Harrington made it back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the women’s -60kg category – she had qualified for the Olympic Games with her gold medal at the European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023.
The Ball included an award ceremony to recognise outstanding achievements, with each of Ireland’s medallists in Paris honoured with the PTSB Inspiring a Nation Award 2024.
President Capralos congratulated Ireland’s athletes, coaches and officials for their successes at Paris 2024, and paid tribute to the Olympic Federation of Ireland for its contribution to promoting the Olympic values and inspiring sport.
“It is a pleasure to see so many athletes who have proudly represented Ireland at the Olympic Games and embodied what it means to be an Olympian,” President Capralos said.
“You have all helped to inspire the next generation, and your attendance here tonight is testament to the contributions you have made to your country’s sporting history.
“Happy 100th anniversary, and here’s to your continued success on the global stage!”
President Capralos also highlighted Ireland’s success at EOC events, with 26 medals won across three editions of the European Games and 70 medals won at the European Youth Olympic Festivals.
Most recently, Ireland won four gold, four silver and five bronze medals at Kraków-Małopolska 2023.
