Irish fans praised for standout support of their athletes at European championships in Birmingham

Paul O’Donnell faced challenges during the marathon in Birmingham on Sunday morning, but Irish fans played a pivotal role in his journey home. The Irish contingent made their presence felt across the course, with fans waving green flags and chanting for their athletes. O’Donnell, who finished 43rd, expressed his gratitude, stating that the support was "much appreciated" and "kept me going."

The impact of Irish fans was evident in various ways. Ireland's heptathlon champion, Kate O’Connor, credited the fans for making her feel at home, describing the atmosphere as "probably the closest we’ll ever get to a home games." Mark English won gold in the 800-meter final, followed closely by a silver for Rhasidat Adeleke in the 200 meters.

Andrew Coscoran secured a bronze in the 1,500-meter race, with Eoin Murphy and Emma McNelis in attendance. Murphy had even brought an Irish flag from the airport, reflecting the significance of the event.

The sports community, including broadcasters and organizers, acknowledged the exceptional support from Irish fans. The official Birmingham 2026 Instagram account remarked that the Irish fans might be the "best fans in Europe." Kate O’Connor emphasized the profound impact of the crowds, noting that the support was "unmatched" and that the energy made her feel like she was "home." This enthusiasm for Irish athletes is likely to continue shaping Ireland's sports landscape as they prepare for future competitions.