A blistering hot day, Dublin's O'Connell street filled with over 20,00 fans to give Team Ireland a hero's welcome after their historic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

An emotional Sophie Becker says: "When I heard there was a homecoming I thought it was like when you have a birthday party and you are scared no one is going to show up, that's what I thought".

Fellow 4 x 400m women's relay team mate Sharlene Mawdsley told Hot Press  "Obviously there was a lot of disappointment just after the race which was a bit bittersweet, but today now, once we came home - we came fourth in the Olympics Games. It's the pinnacle of our sport.

"It's starting to feel a little bit better than it did at the start. Once I figured I ran may fastest time ever I couldn't have asked for much more. So I am proud".

Olympics Homecoming at O'Connell Street. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Kellie's Crowning:

One of the loudest cheers could be heard for returning champion Kellie Harrington, who was greeted with jubilant chants of "Kellie Kellie Kellie!".

"We're a small nation, but we're a mighty nation" the two time Olympic gold medalist said.

"We fight, and we'll keep on fighting! That's why we are who we are" she said, to a roaring crowd.

Famed for her modesty, Harrington called on her coaches to join her on the stage. She added that in spite of her retirement, she was optimistic for Team Ireland's boxing squad  at the LA Olympics:

"This team is absolutely phenomenal. It's a young team. It's a fresh team" she said.

The homecoming celebrations also featured an appearance from An Taoiseach Simon Harris,  as well as a performance from Róisín O, who delivered a rendition of 'Grace', which Harrington sang after her 2024 Gold Medal win, leading the crowd into a sing song.

Olympics Homecoming at O'Connell Street. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Thinking outside the boxing: 

Other athletes were also adorning new bling, including Olympic gold and bronze swimmer Daniel Wiffen.

Wiffen told Hot Press, "I'd never heard our national anthem at the olympics before" he said of his emotional response to taking the top spot at the 800m men's freestyle.

"It was just crazy. All of the emotions hit me at once. A few of my family were in the stands and yeah it just really all sunk it".

Speaking on the squad, the swimmer said: "Well we've had the most successful Olympics ever and we have such a good team".

Not one to rest on his laurels, Wiffen says: "We are all very friendly and I can't wait for the next one!"

Olympics Homecoming at O'Connell Street. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

An Taoiseach Simon Harris told the crowd: "I just wanted to be here with what looks like half of Ireland to say thank you, thank you, thank you, to the incredible 133 on Team Ireland. They have done us proud".

He's continued to say: "I told them back stage, 'There hasn't been any work done in the country in the last fortnight - we've all been glued to our screens".

The 2024 Olympics, which marked a centenary of Ireland's participation in the Games, saw the Irish athletes bring home four gold and three bronze medals, placing us 19th on the Olympics medals table. Paris 2024, saw Ireland's best ever Olympic performance.

Speaking on the historic achievement, President Michael D. Higgins said: "As President of Ireland, may I extend my congratulations and appreciation to all those Olympians who have represented our country with such distinction over the last two and a half weeks.

"Each of our record-setting medallists has brought enormous joy to all those watching across our island and beyond and has been a source of encouragement" his statement read.

The President added: "All those who achieved so much by qualifying and competing to such a high standard have made Irish people everywhere so immensely proud".

Olympics Homecoming at O'Connell Street. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.