Pictures: Olympian Phil Healy given hero's welcome home

‘Ballineen Bullet’ Phil Healy was given a richly-deserved hero’s welcome this evening with a special celebratory event to mark her success in the Olympic Games.

Healy was part of the women’s 4 x 400m relay team who came fourth in the world at the Paris Olympics last Saturday night.

She was also a member of the team that won a silver medal at this year’s European Championships.

The Ballineen and Enniskean community association, together with St Mary’s GAA and local primary school St Mary’s Central School, organised the special parade event yesterday which started at Bandon Co-Op Enniskeane and finished up at St Mary’s GAA grounds where a presentation to Healy was made.

She took the time afterwards to meet with her well-wishers. 

Speaking to The Echo, Diarmuid Healy, club secretary at St Mary’s GAA and brother of the Olympic competitor, said the community is “so proud” of their local sports star.

Mr Healy, who travelled to Paris to watch his sister compete, said the sense of anticipation in the village ahead of the Games was palpable. 

“The atmosphere was unbelievable in the village leading up to it… everyone was hyped up for it. 

“And the atmosphere over there then was just unbelievable altogether. 

“It was one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever experienced at any sporting event. 

“The girls got such great support on the Saturday night coming out. There was so many Irish inside in the stadium, it was super," he said.