Inner battle the hardest to win when facing a two-time Olympic champion

Kellie McLoughlin, a 27-year-old former Dublin under camogie player and footballer, lost to two-time Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington in the lightweight final at the National Elites on Saturday

Kellie Harrington (Red) with Kellie McLoughlin (Blue) during the lightweight final at the National Elites. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy

The line of kids to get a picture with Kellie Harrington is still snaking across one corner of the National Stadium, Dean Clancy and Jason Nevin have already taken to the ring for the night’s next bout, and Kellie McLoughlin is shedding tears behind the curtain.

There is little room for privacy in this intimate, ancient arena.