RTE viewers dubbed Kate O’Connor ‘a trailblazer’ after her historic pentathlon bronze medal at the European Indoor Championships.
She secured Ireland’s first-ever senior medal in a multi-sport event after a brilliant overall performance.
Dad Michael beamed ‘You have given me one of the days of my life’[/caption]
She was one of THREE Irish medallists on the night with interviewer David Gillick calling her a ‘trailblazer’ at the conclusion of their chat[/caption]
The Dundalk native particularly delivered in the 800m, where she overtook Britain’s Jade O’Dowda — sister of Irish soccer international Callum — in the overall standings to secure third place.
In the 800m, O’Connor ran a 2:11.42 to O’Dowda’s 2:15.91 to snatch bronze.
Her jubilant interview with David Gillick trackside moments afterwards was added to by her dad/coach Michael being equally over the moon.
She said: “It’s absolute madness, I can’t believe it. I just thought, frig it, I’m going to run as fast as I can and kick as hard as I can.
“With 220m to go, I said, ‘Let’s go’. I ran with all the guts I had, and it paid off.
“I was just speaking to my coaches and noted that all of those girls are professionals – the top two as well as the girl that finished below me.
“I’m still studying, I’m doing a masters y’know so I’m doing athletics on the side.
“So to be able to finish up there with the top girls in Europe and get a bronze medal for my country is absolutely unbelievable!”
“She’s an amazing athlete, she’s so coachable. It’s a pleasure to be involved with you.
“You are…outstanding. And you’ve given me one of the days of my life. Thank you so much.”
Seeing a dad and daughter live out their dream in real time struck a huge chord with viewers.
Among the replies to RTE clipping the wonderful interview, Jay applauded: “Brilliant! Huge congratulations!”
While Flan added: “What a class act!”
Taking note around what she said about she has to juggle training with her college commitments Paul implored: “Irish athletics needs to look after this girl. Massive potential #trailblazer.”
Her bronze came as one third of what was a magical hour for Irish athletics in the Netherlands on Sunday evening.
Sarah Healy gave a masterclass in 3,000m race tactics, waiting patiently before overtaking Britain’s Melissa Courtney-Bryant in the final 100m to clinch an incredible gold.
Meanwhile Donegal star Mark English showcased his signature race craft, shifting gears in the final lap to claim third in the 800m with a time of 1:45.46.
The 31-year-old is now a five-time European medallist, and only trails 12-time winner Sonia O’Sullivan in Ireland’s all-time medal tally at major championships.
Andrew Coscoran was contending for a medal until the last lap of 3000m final but had to settle for sixth in 7:51.77.
In the women’s 4x400m relay, the Irish team of Rachel McCann, Lauren Cadden, Arlene Crossan, and Cliodhna Manning finished sixth in 3:32.72.
