A Dublin school has come up with a novel way of inspiring its pupils and honouring Ireland's Olympic heroes.
Blakestown Community School in Blanchardstown has renamed a number of its incoming classes after some of the Irish stars from Tokyo.
One of the 5th Year classes has been renamed after gold medallist boxer Kellie Harrington, while the other two will be named after rowers Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, who won Ireland's other gold medal in Tokyo.
The Transition Year class carries the name of boxing bronze medallist Aidan Walsh.
1st Year students will be in classes named after Aifric Keogh, Eimear Lambe, Fiona Murtagh and Emily Hegarty, who secured bronze in the women's four rowing.
Acting Principal David McGuinness said: "We feel we are transitioning out of some of those more difficult days and what better way to shape the future by linking our newest students with the best news story of 2021.
"These are people we are so proud of, who have worked so hard and who travelled to Tokyo and came back with medals."
After a challenging 18 months for schools, returning pupils have welcomed the initiative.
Conor Downay, 14, said: "My hero is Kellie Harrington. I used to do boxing and it was great to see someone who is only up the road from me go the distance in Tokyo."
Aidan Timmon, 16, added: "Kellie showed in her last fight that she was strong. She enjoyed it and showed she really wanted it. I'm very proud of her. Her performance will hopefully motivate current and past students to become the next national hero of Ireland."
