The scenes from Portland Row as Kellie Harrington landed her Olympic gold medal early on Sunday morning were undisputedly magic, and felt like a warm, victorious hug for Irish people everywhere after such a difficult two years.
I’m not much of a sports queen but you’d have to be made of stone to not jump on this band wagon. In every interview, Kellie Harrington comes across as warm, humble and so incredibly deserving, and based on what I’ve been hearing she’s not a bad aul boxer either. It was an amazing achievement by an amazing representative for our country, and to cure any Monday morning blues you may be experiencing we’ve rounded up some of the most heartwarming reactions we’ve seen to the win.
The moment Kellie Harrington was named an Olympic champion! 🥇🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/BUs1nJWFTH
— Daithí Ó Donnghaile (@YeSecondPost) August 8, 2021
Truly, Reeling in the Years gold.
St Vincent’s Hospital Fairview, where Kellie Harrington works as a cleaner, says they’re delighted with their staff member!
“We are so proud of her and we look forward to seeing her back here at the hospital, at a time that’s convenient for her, in the coming days” pic.twitter.com/pk7w63h9PI
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) August 8, 2021
This gorgeous congratulatory post comes from St. Vincents Hospital in Fairview, where Kellie worked on the frontline throughout the pandemic.
Extending the celebrations from Portland Row to our Summerhill postbox. Sending love to Kellie in Tokyo 🇮🇪 #SendLove pic.twitter.com/ze70QCbItp
— An Post (@Postvox) August 9, 2021
Summerhill post box painted gold to celebrate Kellie’s win.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSUFSaxMHEH/
Gorgeous homage to Kellie by one of our fave artists, Emmalene Blake.
FREEDOM OF DUBLIN CITY FOR KELLIE HARRINGTON
I HAVE CONTACTED THE LORD MAYOR AND ASKED HER TO NOMINATE KELLIE FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY
Kellie’s achievements must be formally recognised with her being conferred with the highest award the city can give – the Freedom of the City— Nial Ring (@nialring) August 9, 2021
Plenty of push for Kellie to be awarded Freedom of the City after her amazing win, and how beautifully she’s represented the country throughout her time in Tokyo.
Oh yeah, Kellie Harrington can sing too pic.twitter.com/EJaGjglFNe
— Joe O'Neill (@J0E_90) August 8, 2021
Sure of course she has an amazing set of pipes on her too. Is there anything this gal can’t do?
🥊 KELLIE HARRINGTON'S HOMECOMING 🥊
Golden girl @Kelly64kg has the country beaming with pride after her stunning triumph in Tokyo. Her brothers, however, say they'll be sure to give her a true sibling welcome home! #IrlAM pic.twitter.com/9GiL9Cr0RM
— Ireland AM (@IrelandAMVMTV) August 9, 2021
Kellie’s brothers on getting her home for a cup of tea and a bitta stick after her Olympic win. Obviously.
Kellie Harrington’s brother Joel on RTÉ there saying his community in Portland Row isn’t “disadvantaged”.
“It’s one of the richest, if not the richest in the country because it’s rich in support, camaraderie and community values,” he says.
Inner city pride on the airwaves 💪🏼
— Jade Wilson (@jadeswilson) August 8, 2021
This too from Kellie’s brother, setting out the facts about community spirit in Portland Row.
John Crowley from Mooncoin, Co.Kilkenny making sure Kellie Harrington has a good feed of spuds when she makes it home from #Tokyo2020 Photo Credit: The Mooncoin Page pic.twitter.com/DMezQWB5Q1
— Aoife Kearns (@kearns_aoife) August 8, 2021
The country rallying together to make sure Kellie’s kept in spuds after her long journey home.
“I didn’t even think anyone would be up watching”
Kellie Harrington reacts as @RTEsport’s @jacquihurley shows her the scenes from home as she boxed her way home to Olympic gold 🥇🇮🇪
What a moment… We’re not crying, we just have something in our eye… #TeamIreland #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/EmCzwdPLYC
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) August 8, 2021
Arguably the best part of all this is Kellie’s own reaction to the scenes after her match at home… she genuinely didn’t think anyone would even be up watching.
HUGE SHOUT OUT TO @Kelly64kg ,s Partner Mandy 💚💚💚 Behind ever strong woman is another Strong woman 💪❤❤ Mandy has been Kels rock throughout all this , her coach throughout lockdown and her soulmate , closest to Kels heart ❤ So much love for them both xx #kellieharrington ❤ pic.twitter.com/0ILsKlJVdy
— R♡ Starzy (@Rubystarrs) August 8, 2021
Also welling up seeing any and all posts about Kellie’s partner Mandy, who also coached her and kept her motivated throughout lockdown.
Lads the scenes from Portland Row for #kellieharrington are Italia 90esque. Absolutely brilliant stuff. pic.twitter.com/QnkpUliUH8
— Irish Football Pics (@irish_pics) August 8, 2021
Kellie’s mother might have been too nervous to watch the fight itself, but her face here says it all.
Absolutely beautiful scenes, and such a deserved win.
Header image via Twitter/Olympics
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