"WE'RE bracing ourselves for one of the biggest celebrations ever held in any village in Ireland," Louis Fitzgerald of the Poitin Still said. The Rathcoole pub has already been at the centre of a fortnight long party, and is revving up with everybody else for the celebrations to welcome home the Co Dublin village's most famous citizen.
All over Rathcoole the bunting and flags are out as final preparations are made to cheer the multiple gold medallist Michelle Smith (26), who arrives in Dublin today with Ireland's Olympic team. People from all over Ireland and further afield have been turning up to see the swimmer's home.
The village and main Naas dual carriageway leading into it are festooned with posters, banners and signs with greetings such as "Michelle, Our Belle" and "Congratulations, Michelle and Erik".
One banner noted that the Russians sent a Sputnik into space way back when but in July 1996, "Ireland sent a rocket to Atlanta".
In Dublin city the preparations are also under way for the Olympians. Supporters are being urged to turn out in their thousands for the big event. "Home are the heroes", says a poster displayed on shop windows on O'Connell Street and D'Olier Street. "Come out and support your Olympic heroes travelling from Dublin Airport at 10 a.m."
Dublin Corporation, which is organising the national squad's party, estimates that up to 60,000 people will turn out for the cavalcade from the airport to the GPO, where a civic reception will be held.
In Rathcoole the Smith family were "absolutely thrilled and delighted". Her father Brian said, "It's a great occasion for Michelle, for the family and for Ireland."
The Smiths were at the Poitin Still for lunch yesterday and had just been talking to boxer Michael Carruth, Ireland's last gold medallist at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. Michael will be with Michelle and her family on the open top bus which leaves from Newlands Cross on the Naas Road at 7 p.m.
Asked if there would be politicians at the celebrations in Rathcoole, Mr Smith did not know, but said, "As far as I'm concerned everybody is welcome. The celebration is for everybody in Ireland so I think everybody should be welcome.
Mr Smith did not think things would quiet down in Rathcoole for a long time. "Life for us is never going to be the same again.
South Dublin County Council, which is organising the homecoming celebration will also benefit from Michelle's victories. "Michelle has drawn up plans for coaching of younger swimmers and South Dublin County Council will implement them, but I don't know all the details," her father said.
Aer Rianta expects traffic congestion at Dublin Airport and has advised passengers to allow a lot of extra time to get to the airport. Fans and supporters intending to greet the team at the airport are also advised that parking space will be very restricted.
More traffic problems are expected from the airport to the city centre while the cavalcade makes its way via the Swords Road, Lower Drumcondra Road, Dorset Street, North Frederick Street, and Parnell Street, to O'Connell Street and the GPO, where a civic reception will be held at about 11 a.m.
Gardai will begin closing O'Connell Street at 9.30 a.m. and the street will be closed completely until 1 p.m. when the Olympians head off to AIB headquarters in Ballsbridge for a buffet lunch and more celebrations.
At 7 p.m. an open top bus will carry Michelle Smith, her family and Michael Carruth from the Green Isle Hotel to Rathcoole village. Traffic restrictions will apply in Rathcoole, Clondalkin, Tallaght and adjoining areas during the celebration.
