WATCH: Kellie Harrington celebrates winning gold by singing Mullingar song

By Shane King

Kellie Harrington defended her Olympic lightweight (60kg) title last night in Paris, beating China’s Yang Wenlu to become the first ever Irish back to back Olympic boxing champion.

Following her incredible fight, which is speculated to be the grand finale of her glittering career, she began to sing - a Mullingar song no less.

As the local fans began to filter out of the stadium, Harrington led the large Irish contingent, who remained in the arena to celebrate with the boxing stalwart, through a moving rendition of Grace.

The song tells the tragic story of Grace Gifford, who married her fiancé, rebel leader Joseph Mary Plunkett, hours before he was executed at Kilmainham Jail, Dublin. The lyrics were penned by local man Sean O’Meara and the music was composed by his brother Frank.

Grace has been recorded by many artists including Jim McCann, the Dubliners, and Rod Steward.

The O’Meara brothers, who are natives of St Brigid’s Terrace, Mullingar, were the masterminds behind this famous ballad. The pair were recognised for their work at the Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar last year when they received the Comhaltas Gradam Na hÉigse award.

The powerful song echoed around the Roland Garros stadium which is usually the reserve of the greats of tennis. However, it was Harrington who took centre stage at the iconic stadium to take home a historic second gold medal and celebrated in style.

Video credit: @LiamHarbison (X/Twitter)