Kellie Harrington's parents and neighbours said they never doubted her ability to defend her Olympic title and win a second gold medal.
Speaking outside her home on Portland Row shortly after her success in the ring in Paris, Kellie Harrington's mother Yvonne said "what she sets out to do, she does".
She said there were no words to describe how proud she is of her daughter and she is certain she will remain grounded despite this historic record of Olympic gold medals.
"I can tell you nothing will change. Kellie will be the person she always was and always will be because she comes from a humble family, a humble community."
Her ecstatic father Christy described the "goodness" in the boxer.
"Kellie is more proud of us, if you know what I mean, than we are of her if you can understand that."
He said he is over the moon but added there are really "no words" to encapsulate his emotions of the night.
Read more:
History-maker Kellie Harrington wins back-to-back Olympic golds
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The emotions were also felt across nearby Diamond Park as hundreds of people gathered to watch her fight live on a big screen.
They erupted into loud cheers when she was declared the lightweight champion in the boxing final shortly before 11pm.
Chants of Olé, Olé, Olé rang out as young fans described the thrill of seeing her make the fight "look easy" after beating her opponent.
The 34-year-old boxer has brought such pride to her community on Portland Row and the surrounding area with locals saying the celebrations are reminiscent of Italia 90 "but even better".
Car horns were beeping all along her home street shortly after she was declared the Olympic lightweight boxing champion and the celebrations are likely to continue until her homecoming.
Crowds of supporters decked out in the tricolours walked from Diamond Park to Portland Row to congratulate her parents.
Her cousin Hubert O’Callaghan said Kellie continues to be a role model for so many young people in the area and she is someone who has done so much also in terms of bringing people together.
Mr O’Callaghan said the celebration will be "very different this time" compared to three years ago after the boxer’s win in Tokyo.
He said the now two-time olympic champion wants to walk the route for her homecoming instead of being on a bus as that way she can embrace her community and soak up her big win with her nearest and dearest.
Ellie May Fetherston, 12, from Blanchardstown, took up boxing after Kellie Harrington won gold in the same weight class at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
She said she admires Kellie's ability to switch boxing styles during bouts.
Children crowded in front of the big screen in Diamond Park and punched the air as the local boxer weaved and jabbed in the ring at the Roland-Garros tennis stadium.
Locals praised Kellie Harrington's work in the local community, putting on sports days for young people and working as a carer.
Gillian Collins said the fighter was bringing a positive focus on the north inner city.
"When people stop her on the street she stops for a chat. She high fives all the kids, they love her," she said.
"She's very very down to earth."
Patricia Byrne from Portland Row said Ms Harrington is great for Dublin's inner city.
She said a man who had travelled from Cavan to attend the watch party had asked where her family home was.
"She's made us all proud. It brings everybody together," she said. "She's real down to earth. Never changed."
Asked about whether Portland Row would put on another big homecoming for Kellie Harrington, Ms Byrne said this one would be "better and bigger".
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Marker set for next generation
Olympic gold medallist Michael Carruth said there was no disputing that Harrington was the greatest Irish boxer there had ever been.
"She is after setting the marker there for the next generation," he said, adding, "It couldn't have happened to a nicer person."
Speaking on RTÉ’s Today with Philip Boucher Hayes, the Olympian added that luck is an element, but Harrington "boxed absolutely fantastic in all four bouts" and her win was huge for male and female boxing in Ireland, and "a huge, huge boost for young kids."
He said he was surprised about the fighter's retirement announcement, and said he hoped she would get back into boxing in some capacity, for instance, coaching.
"What she now needs now is a break with her wife and a little holiday," he added.
Speaking on the same programme, the head coach at Harrington's childhood boxing club said she was a role model for children in Dublin's north inner city.
Steve Molloy, of Corinthian's Boxing Club, said young boxers are thinking that Harrington is from their area and is an Olympic champion.
He said said he had a "list the length of my arm" of kids wanting to join his club.
"It's all down to Kellie's success in the area, it is just fantastic."
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