Amidst dark clouds for Irish boxing, Kellie Harrington brings hope

Just getting ten to this stage was an enormous achievement. Remember it is a record-equalling team size. Not since 1960 have so many Irish boxers qualified. In Tokyo Irish boxing claimed two medals. In Rio it was zero.

FINAL HOPE: Kellie Harrington celebrates after winning against Angie Paola Valdes Pana  in their women's 60kg quarter-final. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Cruelty can be found in every celebration. There is an underlying tragedy as the country advances towards its most prosperous Olympics. Ireland’s most successful sport, the most diverse and inclusive, is in grave jeopardy. That much is a simple fact. Everything else is mind-bendingly complicated.

Irish boxing will bring home one medal from Paris. Eight fighters were defeated in their opening bout. All hopes now lie on Kellie Harrington defending her gold medal. She steps into a blockbuster semi-final against Beatriz Ferreira on Saturday night. This is a rematch against the woman she bested in 2021 and who has since gone on to win the IBF lightweight title as part of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable. If pressure is a privilege, Harrington now carries national honour.