The Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring has openly criticised Minister for Sport Shane Ross for not attending the homecoming celebrations of Ireland's most recent world champion boxer, Kellie Harrington.
At a ceremony held on Sean McDermott St in Dublin's north inner city this evening, Ring questioned; "Where is the Minister for Sport Shane Ross?"
Pointing out that Ross had been "there for the hockey," and "there for the Dubs" as Jim Gavin's men won their fourth successive All-Ireland, the Lord Mayor wondered why he wasn't "here in the north inner city" to celebrate Harrington's wonderful achievement.
Usually a hive of activity during any memorable Irish sporting event, Ross's Twitter account did not appear to acknowledge Harrington's achievement when she claimed her gold medal on Saturday afternoon, either.
Winning gold for Ireland in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon Irish time, Kellie Harrington became the first Irish boxer to win world medals in two different weight categories.
Four years to the day that Katie Taylor claimed her fifth gold medal at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships. Today, Harrington overcame Thailand’s Sudaporn Seesondee on a split decision.
A tense, hard-fought contest, a superior defence and sharper reflexes gave Kellie Harrington a slight edge; the fight finishing 3-2 in her favour across the five judges' scorecards.