Dublin City Council have said that there can be no formal civic reception for Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington when she returns to Ireland.
The Dublin woman is set to fly into Dublin Airport on Tuesday but she will not be met by a formal reception like Irish medal winners have been in normal times.
Kellie will be coming home to Portland Row in Dublin’s north inner city after securing her place in the history books.
She is the ninth person to win gold for Ireland since 1924.
In a statement to the Irish Times DCC said it was: “currently reviewing all contingencies in consultation with other relevant parties to ensure that Kellie, her family and the local community can be supported to celebrate her achievement in winning the gold medal at the Olympics.”
They noted that the athlete’s friends, family, neighbours and community were ‘understandably keen for the city to mark her homecoming.’
The council is set to make a ‘further announcement in the coming days’ as any homecoming celebration would have to have ‘due regard to public health guidelines.’
Dublin city councillor Nial Ring had earlier commented on the decision not to have a big screen showing of the Olympic final.
He said: “No big screen on Portland Row for Olympic final but DCC committed to spectacular North inner city homecoming for Kellie Harrington.”
The councillor said that the athlete would be all too aware of the health risks.
“As you know Kellie herself works in a hospital and would be acutely aware of Covid risk.
“I know Kellie would be devastated if someone contracted Covid or was hurt in any way at an event associated with her.”
Councillor Ring criticised the actions of politicians that attended a party in the Merrion Hotel.
He said: “It may be all right for the rich and famous to throw a bash in the Merrion Hotel without worrying about the consequences, but here in the North Inner City we look out for another.”
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