Emotional Kate O’Connor fights back tears during national anthem following European Championships gold medal heroics

KATE O’CONNOR became visibly emotional during Amhran na bhFiann as she was officially anointed European champion at her medal ceremony.

O’Connor, 25, added yet another medal to her collection when she won heptathlon gold in Birmingham on Saturday.

While she was given her medal upon the competition of the event-closing 800m, the Dundalk athlete had to wait for the official medal ceremony.

That took place on Sunday afternoon, as O’Connor was cheered onto the top step of the podium by a large cohort of Irish fans.

And when Amhran na bhFiann was played, the World silver medalist became visibly emotional as she fought back tears.

Not even the delay to the medal ceremony could dampen O’Connor’s mood, despite the chaos that led to its postponement.

All medal ceremonies, as well as transport operations, were suspended on Saturday evening after a man was arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Organisers confirmed that transport had returned to normal on Sunday, while medal ceremonies took place that evening.

A statement from Birmingham 2026 read: “Birmingham 2026 can confirm that transport operations have returned to normal following a police incident on Saturday evening.

“Championship transport was suspended until the necessary security measures had been carried out whilst West Midlands Police arrested a man in his thirties on suspicion of fraud.

“The safety and wellbeing of our spectators, athletes, workforce and the wider Championships’ family will always be our first priority.

“We recognise that the delays presented challenges for those affected and would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the evening.”

West Midlands Police confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of fraud and remained in custody for questioning.

O’Connor’s performance was the headline-grabber on another dream day for Irish athletics that included Andrew Coscoran finally putting himself on the podium by winning bronze.

Speaking to RTE, O’Connor dedicated her latest title to her grandmother, who passed away earlier this year, and coach dad.

She said: “I dreamt of this moment when I started athletics and a couple of years ago I would have probably never thought it would have happened to me.

“It has been a long two years. I know a lot of medals but a lot of increasing pressure at every competition and every competition has been different and trying to navigate that.

“This year has been very tough for me personally.

“My granny died during the year and I don’t think I give my dad enough credit but it obviously really hit home for him big time.

“The way he still turned up to training day-in and day-out because this is my dream but also a dream for him too.

“I have to dedicate this medal to my granny because she was one of my biggest fans and she would have been jumping for joy if she was her to see this.”