Boxing

‘I’ve a keen interest in boxing’: Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney’s praise for double Olympic champion Kellie Harrington

Still on a high from Armagh’s All-Ireland victory, Kieran McGeeney was among those in Paris to witness the Dublin boxer’s historic victory

Tears flow as Kellie Harrington receives her Olympic gold medal at Roland-Garros on Monday night. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Tears flow as Kellie Harrington receives her Olympic gold medal at Roland-Garros on Tuesday night (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
By Allan Preston

AS Dublin boxer Kellie Harrington basks in Olympic glory for the second time, Armagh’s All-Ireland winning manager Kieran McGeeney was among those who witnessed the historic moment in Paris.

The Irish boxer confirmed that she would “retire a champion” after claiming her second Olympic gold on Tuesday, beating China’s Wenlu Yang in the women’s 60 kg final.

Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated bout, Mr McGeeney praised the Irish support on show in Paris.

“Olympians are something different. I’ve a keen interest in boxing, I seen Kellie’s fight the other night and she fought really well,” he told RTÉ.

“I’m really looking forward to it, the stadium in there is packed with Irish people so it’s going to be nuts.”

On Magheralin swimmer Daniel Wiffen’s gold and bronze success, he added: “It’s great…I just think it’s phenomenal for a kid from Armagh to come out and win a gold.

“It’s out of this world for the young fella, I’m delighted for him.”

Having previously worked for the Sports Council in Dublin, he also praised the tireless work behind the scenes in supporting the athletes in Team Ireland.

“I’m delighted for them. A lot of work goes in and people really have no idea the amount of effort and time that goes into helping these athletes.

“The time that those athletes put in off their own bat. To see some of it come to fruition for probably one of our best games ever.

“Even to have so many Irish people over supporting them, it’s fantastic for a small country.”

On Wednesday morning Harrington continued her celebrations with a visit to a care home beside the Olympic village in Paris, with residents happily posing for pictures with the champion and her gold medal.