On the 10th of November 2024 over 700 guests gathered at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington road for the Team Ireland Centenary Olympic Ball. In 1924 the first team competed for Ireland at the Olympic Games in Paris, and throughout the evening athletes and performances spanning the one hundred years were celebrated.
Irish Sailing was represented at the event by Paralympian and Irish Sailing President John Twomey, Rio 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Annalise Murphy, Moscow 1980 Olympic Silver Medalist David Wilkins, Eve McMahon, Seán Waddilove and Head Coach Rory Fitzpatrick. All all there were 12 Olympians and 24 invited sailing guests making for a wonderful evening.
The unique event was attended by almost 300 other Olympians from various sports and years, along with other sponsors, partners, and key stakeholders. Olympians David Gillick and Greg O’Shea were MCs on the night which included welcome notes from Minister Thomas Byrne TD and European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos.
Each Irish Olympian was presented with their official ‘number’ at the event, recognising the exceptional achievement it is for someone to even qualify for the Olympic Games. The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony, which celebrated individuals for their outstanding achievements, and President of Olympic Federation of Ireland, Sarah Keane, was also recognised for her contribution to Irish Olympic sport with an Order of Merit.