Heptathlon & pentathlon

Kate O’Connor

Dundalk St Gerard's athlete and past pupil of St Vincent's Secondary School; born in Newry.

Kate O’Connor competing in the women’s heptathlon javelin at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Daieuxetdailleurs / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 · Licence · Resized / WebP

The sporting story

Seven events demand speed, strength, technique and the ability to start again after every result. Kate O'Connor became Ireland's first Olympic heptathlete at Paris 2024, followed by world heptathlon silver in Tokyo in 2025 and European gold in Birmingham in 2026. Her Dundalk roots run through St Vincent's Secondary School and Dundalk St Gerard's AC. Born in Newry, she is celebrated here for that genuine town connection. Returning to meet young club athletes after major championships makes the international achievements part of a living local sporting culture.

A lasting connection.

An all-round athlete inspiring a new generation of Dundalk children to try several events and keep developing.

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Research checked 17 October 2026. This profile describes dated achievements, rather than a live medal or record table.