Olympic silver medallist Sonia O'Sullivan returned in triumph to her native Cork yesterday to receive the acclaim of thousands of fans who lined the city streets as she travelled in an open-top bus to a civic reception at Cork City Hall.
Dark clouds and heavy showers did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the estimated 10,000 people who lined Washington Street, Grand Parade and South Mall to cheer on the Cobh athlete as she travelled to City Hall.
"I'm just so proud to be home and I'm so thankful to all the people who turned out today to cheer me on despite the rain," said Sonia who was accompanied on the bus by her partner, Nick Bideau, and their daughter Ciara, as well as relatives and friends.
Sonia was presented with a bronze replica of Cork City Hall by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr P.J. Hourican. Sonia - who is competing against her great rival and friend, English athlete, Paula Radcliffe at the BUPA Loughrea five-mile race at the weekend - said she was greatly honoured and thanked the Lord Mayor.
