Paris 2024 memories abound in 'home' Games that enthralled

"We'll always have Paris". Over 80 years ago, Humphrey Bogart's Rick uttered those words to Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman, in the classic film 'Casablanca'. Somewhere across the Christmas TV schedules, the 1942 hit is sure to get another airing; it has stood the test of time.

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in the French capital, for many, will also find a residence in the memory bank.

Team Ireland secured its best-ever medal haul, comprising four gold and three bronze, across four sports. They came close to adding to that total in athletics, sailing, golf and slalom canoeing.

Boxing, not for the first time, provided a few contentious calls. Again, we questioned the decisions of those in the judges corner. Kellie Harrington, winning back-to-back gold medals by way of a split decision as the clock ticked near midnight at Roland-Garros, could not be argued with. A grand stage then for the Dubliner to complete her journey as an Olympian.

Elsewhere, Ireland celebrated medal success in rowing, swimming and gymnastics.

Skibbereen's finest Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy retained their Olympic title in the lightweight double sculls, with O'Donovan becoming the first Irish athlete to win a medal at three Olympic Games. He would later go on to win gold at the World Rowing Championships single sculls and ended the year by being named RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year.

Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch then brought home bronze in the double sculls, a first heavyweight rowing medal for Ireland at an Olympics.

At the easily reconfigured Paris La Défense Arena, home to rugby's Racing 92, swimming took centre stage.

A wonderfully noisy, atmospheric venue, with no shortage of thrills across the eight days of action. The expectation was that Mona