PHOTOS: Dundalk's European Gold Medallist Kate O'Connor welcomed home

Louth County Council congratulated Kate O'Connor at a homecoming event in Dundalk on Monday evening, following her historic victory in the heptathlon at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

The Dundalk St Gerard’s AC athlete, who won silver at last year's World Championships, capped a wonderful weekend with a third-place finish in the 800m on Saturday evening.

It took her heptathlon points tally to 6,751 – an Irish record – and saw her become the third Irish woman, along with Sonia O'Sullivan and Ciara Mageean, to win a European Athletics Championships gold medal.

Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “On behalf of the people of County Louth, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kate on this truly historic achievement. To see a local athlete crowned European champion is a source of enormous pride for the entire county.

“Kate's dedication, resilience and excellence have inspired people across Louth and Ireland, and this gold medal is richly deserved."

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: "Kate's success is another landmark moment for Irish athletics and for County Louth.

"We are equally proud of fellow Louth athletes Israel Olatunde and Abbie Sheridan, who also represented Ireland with distinction in Birmingham.

“Their achievements highlight the strength of athletics in our county and come at a particularly exciting time as the new athletics track in Dundalk nears completion.

“We hope Kate's success, alongside the achievements of Israel and Abbie, will inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue their ambitions and realise their potential."

Photos: Ciaran Culligan/Louth County Council