Irish boxers tell of pride, devastation and rollercoaster of ups and downs following Olympics
Ten boxers represented Ireland at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
Ireland's Olympic boxing heroes have been reflecting on their performances and experiences at the Paris Games.
Ten boxers represented Ireland in the French capital - Kellie Harrington, Aidan Walsh, Aoife O’Rourke, Daina Moorehouse, Dean Clancy, Grainne Walsh, Jude Gallagher, Jennifer Lehane, Jack Marley and Michaela Walsh.
Harrington won lightweight gold once again as she added to the medal she claimed in Tokyo three years earlier. In an emotional post on Instagram, the Dubliner wrote: "Oh my life is changing everyday, In every possible way, And oh, my dreams, It's never quite as it seems, Never quite as it seems I know I felt like this before, But now I'm feeling it even more.
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"I can not put words on how I am feeling right now. 2 times Olympic Champion. When I say it out loud I just smile.
"Thank you to everyone for all your support, from the time I laced up the gloves on till the last round in Paris. So many people have helped me to get here, without help from so many people it would not be possible. Thank you to everyone for believing and cheering me on over these years. I hope you all enjoyed the journey.
"Much Love to you all."
Heavyweight and fellow Dubliner Jack Marley was the only other Irish boxer to win a bout in Paris, although there were some questionable decisions in some fights involving our athletes.
Marley said the Olympics "was a rollercoaster of ups and downs to say the least but an experience of a lifetime".
He added: "Amazing memories that I will cherish forever and valuable lessons that will make me as a person/boxer going forward.
"I can’t express how thankful I am for anyone who has helped me throughout my crazy journey, my family & friends , my amazing club and high performance coaches , my loyal sponsors , the incredible support from everyone in Paris and watching from a far .
Last but not least @team_ireland_olympic who steered the ship in Paris and made the overall experience magic!
"Already itching to get back and we are only getting started."
The results of both Daina Moorehouse and Aoife O'Rourke's last 16 bouts at 50kg and 75kg respectively were slammed by many. Bernard Dunne described Moorehouse's 4-1 decision defeat to France's Wassila Lkhadiri as "ridiculous", while he said O'Rourke's 3-2 loss to Elżbieta Wójcik of Poland was "disgraceful" from a judging perspective.
Writing on Instagram after the Games, Moorehouse said: "The comeback is always stronger than the setback. IRELAND I LOVE YOU."
Meanwhile, O'Rourke commented: "Unfortunately it didn’t plan out the way I had hoped or trained for but I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.
"To my family, friends, coaches, sponsors, support staff & teammates I am incredibly grateful for all the love and support I have received from each and everyone of you.
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the beautiful cards, signs, flags and bunting you all shared. It is greatly appreciated and it really doesn’t go unnoticed.
"Proud to be a two time Olympian."
Belfast siblings Michaela and Aidan Walsh both told of their pride, with the latter posting: "I found that happiness really is an inside job. A job that must be worked on daily with openness and honesty. A job that is best fulfilled when you give it your all and never give up. It’s a job that requires the support of wonderful people with kind hearts and sound advice.
"Today, as well as throughout this week, month, and year, we have done our utmost to express ourselves honestly, seize every opportunity, and respect and cherish every moment..
"Our job is done and done well.
"Thanks to everyone for the kind words and support. What a journey it’s been."
Michaela said: "An Olympic medal or no Olympic medal, it doesn’t define me as an athlete or me, Michaela the human being. I have achieved so much in my career and in my life. It is an honour for me to become a 2x Olympian alongside side my brother. My dream was to win a medal, yes it hurts but I will live to fight another day. I am so blessed and grateful to be happy in life, to have amazing people around me and most of all, be safe and healthy. Thank you to every person that has believed in me, supported me and wished me well, I hope I have done you proud."
Sligo's Dean Clancy endured an agonising split-decision loss on his Olympic debut in the preliminary round of the 63.5kg weight division. He said shortly afterwards: "Paris 2024 Olympic Games journey unfortunately comes to an end falling on the wrong side of a heartbreaking 3/2 split decision.
"I left it all in there and extremely proud to wear that vest and represent my country at an Olympic stage, a childhood vision I’ve spent countless years pursuing and dreaming of I can keep my chin high and proudly call myself an Olympian.
"Can’t thank everyone enough for the support and kind messages over the last few weeks really means a lot, going to take some time off relax and enjoy the rest of the experience here and will get back to you all soon."
Ashbourne native Jennifer Lehane said she was "forever grateful" to her friends and family after her defeat to Yuan Chang of China, who went on to win bantamweight gold, writing: "The Olympics Games- the greatest stage for sport. I truly enjoyed my time in the Olympic ring today. Disappointed it didn’t go my way but I am so proud of what I have achieved to get here. I am forever grateful for my weird and wonderful friends and family who made today so special for me.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey- it really does mean the world to me and I hope to get back to your messages soon.
"I don’t think this journey is over yet…"
Grainne Walsh suffered a split-decision defeat against Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori in a 66kg round of 32 bout and touched on the "extremely difficult" journey she had to the Games as she told how she was "immensely proud".
She said: "Tried to write this a million times but less is more in this case.
"Obviously I am devastated not to be progressing any further in the competition. However, making it to this point has been extremely difficult for me and for that, I am immensely proud. I will hold this experience, and every step to get here close to my heart for the rest of my life.
"Behind my teammates 100% for the rest of the Games and all of Team Ireland. So proud to be part of this incredible bunch of people.
"The 5 rings of the Olympics are not given, they are earned. And they represent so much more than what is seen during these 2 weeks. A lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, dedication and ENJOYMENT."
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