Kate O'Connor wins silver medal at World Indoor Championships

Dundalk athlete Kate O’Connor became the first Irish athlete in 19 years to win a medal at the World Indoor Championships on Friday, delivering a sensational performance in China to secure a silver medal in the pentathlon.

The 24-year-old Dundalk St Gerard’s AC star, who claimed bronze at the European Indoor Championships less than two weeks ago, achieved three personal bests in the 60m hurdles, shot put, and long jump—an outstanding feat that propelled her to Ireland’s first indoor medal since Derval O’Rourke’s gold in 2006.

A former student of St Vincent’s Secondary School in Dundalk, Kate has consistently showcased her talent on the international stage. She won silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and became an Olympian in Paris last year, finishing 14th in the heptathlon.

Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway, praised her remarkable achievements: “Everyone in County Louth, and indeed all of Ireland, should be immensely proud of Kate’s incredible success. Less than a fortnight ago, she was winning bronze in the Netherlands, and now she has followed it up with Ireland’s first World Indoor Championship medal in almost two decades.

“Her talent, determination, and drive are truly inspiring and on behalf of Louth County Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kate, her father and coach Michael, and the entire O’Connor family. I have no doubt she will continue to achieve even greater success in the future.”