Olympians decline formal civic reception in Dublin

Katie Taylor and her fellow Olympians have declined a formal civic reception in Dublin when they come home on Monday.

Dublin City Council was prepared to offer the reception at the Mansion House in Dawson Street to Team Ireland.

Plans had been made to erect a platform outside the building so people could give the Olympians a heroes’ welcome.

However, the athletes opted for a small homecoming reception at the airport before heading home to their families.

A Dublin City Council spokesperson said the athletes wanted a smaller reception because they were tired and wanted to be reunited with their families as soon as possible.

The Olympic Council of Ireland has accepted an invitation from President Michael D Higgins to attend a reception in Áras an Uachtaráin in September.

While Dublin Airport will be facilitating a press conference, it will be held in an area where there will be no public access for health and safety reasons.

Katie’s home town, Bray, Co Wicklow, is preparing a big beach party for her on Monday evening.

Bray Town Council has booked two open-top buses for a parade and plans are being made to take Katie through the town from her home.

Around 10,000 people turned out to watch Katie beat her Russian opponent on giant outdoor screens in the town on Thursday.

Cllr Ronan McManus said the town’s huge seafront was well able to cater for large crowds. He said Katie has been the toast of the town before as she reached many milestones on her way to fulfilling her lifelong dream of winning an Olympic gold medal for Ireland.

Mr McManus said it was likely, however, that Katie would be more inclined to meet and greet young people in the town.

“On previous occasions when the town has celebrated her big wins, Katie has made straight for the young people to shake their hands, leaving them speechless and in total awe of her,” he said.

Mr McManus said Katie also belonged to a close-knit community in Old Court and Ballywaltrim where smaller celebrations would held in her honour on her return.

Meanwhile, St Mark’s Pentecostal Church on Pearse St, Dublin, is planning a special thanksgiving service for Katie and her family.

The boxer’s strong religious faith has been obvious over the past few days with the boxer crediting her extraordinary Olympic success to her relationship with God.

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