Ireland's Kate O’Connor says she is "completely ecstatic" with her silver medal from the U20 European Championships as the successful Irish team were welcomed home at Dublin Airport this evening.
Friends and family were waiting upon the arrival of the athletes who picked up three medals at the Championships in Boras, Sweden.
O’Connor carved herself into Irish athletics history when she became the first Irish athlete to medal in the heptathlon at any level.
She was followed by Sarah Healy, who claimed silver in the 1500m, and Darragh McElhinney who became the third Irishman ever to win a 5000m medal at the European U20 Championships by finishing third.
McElhinney flew home ahead of the team, but O'Connor and Healy led the team out this evening to the assembled well-wishers.
"I’m completely ecstatic and I can’t believe I’ve finally broken 6000 and to get the silver medal just topped it all off," O’Connor said, who required a big performance in the final event, the 800m to claim second.
Healy admitted that while she was firmly fixed on gold, acknowledged it was an achievement to cherish.
"It wasn't the medal I was hoping for, but a medal at these championships is an amazing achievement. I'm so glad I could win one for Ireland."
Athletics Ireland President Georgina Drumm paid tribute to all the athletes that competed in Sweden.
"I want to say a big congratulations to all of the athletes, and all of the team that supported them. This is a really exciting time for athletics in Ireland, and all of our U20 team did us so proud over the last few days."
