Harrington's 'huge sense of pride' on receiving Freedom of the City

Olympic champion Kellie Harrington will be presented with the Freedom of the City of Dublin by Lord Mayor Alison Gilliland at the Mansion House this evening.

Harrington, along with activist Ailbhe Smyth and Professor Mary Aiken, will be honoured at the ceremony, with Gilliland saying that the the three women "have made a significant contribution to our city and indeed our country".

On being recognised by her native city, Harrington, who took gold for Ireland at last summer's Tokyo Games, said: "It's such an honour to receive the freedom of the City and I am so grateful. It give me and my family a huge sense of pride and I would like to thank the Lord Mayor and Dublin City Council on behalf of my family, my community an all who has supported me on my journey.

"There is not too many women on this role of honour and I am delighted to be one of three incredible women who will receive this award."

The Freedom has previously been conferred on 83 persons ranging from presidents to prisoners of conscience to people in sports and entertainment, including former Dublin football managers Kevin Heffernan and Jim Gavin, Jack Charlton, Ronnie Delany and Brian O'Driscoll.

After missing the recent World Championships because of injury, Harrington is now targeting a return to action at the Europeans,

Speaking recently to RTÉ Sport, she said: "I'll hopefully be back sparring by the start of July and getting ready for the Europeans in October.

"I’m just getting back slowly but surely, and looking after my physical and mental health."