Thousands turn out on O'Connell St to welcome Olympians home

Dublin singer Roisin O to play out the event with a stirring rendition of ‘Grace’.

Ireland's double Olympic medallist Daniel Wiffen is welcomed by supporters on O'Connell Street. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

There was a carnival-like atmosphere in Dublin city on Monday afternoon as thousands of people descended upon O’Connell Street to welcome Ireland’s record-breaking Olympics team home from Paris.

While Skibbereen rower Paul O’Donovan was a notable absentee on the day - he has already returned to training for the World Championships later this month - the remaining septet of medallists from Team Ireland, including his lightweight double sculls partner Fintan McCarthy, were all present for a homecoming that took place in front of an estimated crowd of more than 20,000 spectators.