Ireland's Kellie Harrington has won gold at the Women's World Elite Boxing Championships in New Dehli.
The Dublin woman defeated Thailand's Sudaporn Seesondee 3-2 in a split decision in their lightweight final.
GOLD! Kellie Harrington beat Thailand’s Sudaporn Seesondee 3-2 in a split decision in their lightweight final in New Delhi. The 28 year old from Dublin has won world medals in two different weight divisions. She won a silver in the light welterweight class in 2016. 🇮🇪🥊🥇
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) November 24, 2018
In a tweet, President Michael D Higgins said: "My congratulations to Kellie Harrington on her outstanding achievement today, winning an AIBA World Elite lightweight gold medal - her fourth major international medal.
"She is an exceptional athlete, role model and ambassador for the inner city."
President Higgins: “My congratulations to Kellie Harrington on her outstanding achievement today, winning an AIBA World Elite lightweight gold medal - her fourth major international medal. She is an exceptional athlete, role model and ambassador for the inner City.”
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) November 24, 2018
Civic Reception
Dublin's Lord Mayor Nial Ring has confirmed he will host a civic reception for Ms Harrington on her return from India.
Mayor Ring said: "The whole of the north inner-city is buzzing today as the news of Kellie's victory got around.
"Kellie is a local girl, born and reared in the north inner city. I know her well and appreciate all the work she has done to promote sport in the area through her involvement with Dublin City Council.
"She is inspirational to so many young people in the area and now to brag that we have a world champion from the area is incredible, although we always knew Kellie would do it".
For the day that's in it! The North Inner City is celebrating its new World Champion - Kellie Harrington from Portland Row. Comhgairdeas Kellie. Thanks to Chris Shelley for the photo. @Kelly64kg @nialring pic.twitter.com/J1KSRh0164
— Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) November 24, 2018
Ireland's Kurt Walker and Kieran Molloy have also won gold and bronze, respectively, at the Men's EU Elite Championships in Spain.
Congratulating them, Sports Minister Shane Ross said: "On behalf of the Irish people I would like to congratulate the Irish boxing teams on their medal successes at the recent Men's EU Elite Championships in Spain and Women's World Elite Championships in India.
"In particular, I would like to congratulate Kurt Walker on winning gold and Kieran Molloy on winning bronze in Spain and Kellie Harrington on winning gold in India.
"These results are a tribute to your hard work, commitment and dedication to reach the highest levels in your sport.
Ireland's Kellie Harrington in action against Sudaporn Seesondee of Thailand | Image: AIBA
"I had the pleasure of meeting Kellie at the launch of the National Sports Policy in her own backyard in Sheriff Street earlier this year - and I am delighted to see all her hard work has paid off this week."
Minister of State Brendan Griffin added: "I am delighted to congratulate Kellie Harrington, Kurt Walker and Kieran Molloy on their fantastic medal wins in India and Spain.
"By your achievements you provide encouragement and inspiration to countless young boxers throughout Ireland who aspire to represent their country at the highest levels."
