Louth stars to be honoured at civic reception

Louth County Council will host a Civic Reception at County Hall, Dundalk, this Thursday 10 April, to honour the sporting achievements of Kate O’Connor and Eve McCrystal.

The event recognises the extraordinary accomplishments of two of the county’s most celebrated athletes who have proudly represented Louth and Ireland on the global stage, inspiring countless others with their dedication, talent, and resilience.

Kate O’Connor made history in 2024 when she became Ireland’s first Olympic heptathlete and Louth’s first female Track and Field Olympian at the Paris Games. Having risen through the ranks at Dundalk St Gerard’s AC, she has gone on to claim medals at the European U20 Championships, Commonwealth Games, and most recently, at the World Indoor Championships in China, where she ended Ireland’s 19-year wait for a medal at that level.

Eve McCrystal’s legacy in cycling is unparalleled. Over a decade-long tandem partnership with Katie-George Dunlevy, she secured an incredible haul of five medals across three Paralympic Games in Rio, Tokyo and Paris, along with multiple World Championship titles. A two-time Irish National Road Racing champion, Eve’s illustrious career concluded with a final World Championship medal in 2024, when she partnered Josephine Healion to a bronze in Switzerland, and induction into the Cycling Ireland Hall of Fame.

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David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, praised both athletes, saying: “Kate and Eve have not only excelled in their respective sports, but they’ve also brought immense pride to Louth. Their journeys speak to the power of perseverance, and their success has placed our county - and indeed our country - firmly on the international sporting map. This Civic Reception is a heartfelt expression of our admiration and gratitude.”

Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “What makes Kate and Eve’s stories so special is the way they connect with people, especially young girls and women. They’ve become powerful role models, showing what is possible not just in sport, but in life. Whether you're a student, an aspiring athlete, or a mother juggling dreams and responsibilities, they show that excellence is always within reach.”

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, also paid tribute, saying: “Both Kate and Eve are shining examples of what can be achieved through hard work, talent and determination. They have inspired not only our local community but the entire country with their achievements. Their stories will leave a lasting legacy in our town, one that encourages young people to dream big and aim high.”

Joe McGuinness, Director of Services at Louth County Council, also noted the council’s ongoing investment in local sport, saying: “Louth County Council is currently in the final stages of a tender process for a new athletics track in Dundalk. While no formal plans to include a contract signing as part of the upcoming Civic Reception, the project remains a priority.

“Subject to the completion of contractual and administrative steps, we would hope that work can commence during the summer. In the south of the county, arrangements are also in place to make the Lourdes Stadium in Drogheda available on a number of Sundays in April and May to facilitate scheduled athletics events.”

Louth County Council says that the invite-only Civic Reception will bring together family, friends, sporting representatives, and elected members to formally celebrate the achievements of two inspirational women whose legacy will live on in County Louth for generations to come.