The Love Story of Kellie Harrington and Mandy Loughlin
Kellie Harrington, Ireland’s golden girl, has captured the hearts of many with her remarkable achievements in the boxing ring. Her journey to success has been accompanied by the unwavering support of her wife, Mandy Loughlin, who has stood beside her through every challenge and triumph. Their love story is a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep connection that has only grown stronger over time.
How They Met
The couple first crossed paths in 2009 at a boxing club in Bray. Despite coming from different parts of Dublin—Mandy from Portland Row in the north inner city and Kellie from Foxrock in South Dublin—their paths eventually intertwined. Mandy shared with Ryan Tubridy that their initial meeting didn’t go as expected. “There was an initial vibe that we wouldn’t get along,” she recalled, but it quickly changed. “After that, everything just clicked.”
Their differences, which might have initially caused friction, ultimately became one of the reasons they were drawn to each other. Mandy described their relationship as a perfect blend of opposites, saying, “A north inner city girl and a southside girl might not get on straight away, but opposites attract, and it was the best thing ever.”
A Champion’s Journey
Kellie entered the boxing ring at just 16 years old when she joined the Corinthians Boxing Club. Her talent quickly shone through, earning her recognition when she won silver at the World Championships in 2016. She continued to build her legacy with a string of medals at the EU Championships in 2017 and a world championship title in 2018.
Throughout her career, Mandy has been her biggest supporter. However, watching Kellie compete was no easy task for her. On Ryan Tubridy’s show, Mandy admitted that following the fights was incredibly stressful. “I would take the dogs out for a walk or do normal things to distract myself,” she said. “It was really hard because the fights were all in the middle of the night.”
Popping the Question
After the Olympics, Kellie turned her attention to another kind of ring—marriage. In January 2022, the couple officially became engaged, marking a new chapter in their lives. Planning the wedding, however, proved to be a daunting task. Kellie admitted, “No venue, not a stitch of clothes. Not knowing who to invite or where to start. When people said planning a wedding is stressful, I never believed it till now.”
Mandy spoke highly of Kellie’s character, describing her as someone who brings energy, passion, and kindness wherever she goes. “She brings the craic, she just brings passion and excitement,” Mandy said. “If you meet Kellie and talk to her, the energy makes you want to be a better person.”
A Dream Wedding
In April 2022, the couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony that reflected their personalities. Kellie wore a stunning trousers set with a semi-sheer lace top and a floor-sweeping train, while Mandy dazzled in a high-collared dress with a full-length skirt. Their beloved dogs played a special role in the day, and Kellie joked, “I feel a little bit older already!”
The reception was held at The Old Spot in Dublin, and the couple surprised guests with personalized Cadbury Dairy Milk bars and Guinness pint glasses as wedding favors.
Building a Home Together
In 2022, the couple bought their first house in Portland Row, just a few doors down from Kellie’s family home. They poured their heart and soul into transforming the property, turning their vision into reality. The once-dull grey concrete façade was revealed to be a beautiful red brick underneath after hours of work.
Kellie shared photos of the renovation, expressing her pride in what they had achieved. “A vision that took time, a vision many said I was mad for having, but a vision I am glad we stuck with making it a reality,” she said.
Paris 2024: A Historic Achievement
Kellie made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first-ever female Irish athlete to win a medal in multiple Olympics. She defeated Colombian boxer Angie Valdas Pana in the semi-finals and went on to secure a gold medal in the final against China’s Wenlu Yang.
After the match, Kellie celebrated with Mandy, sharing a heartfelt moment on the podium. Following her victory, she announced her retirement, stating, “I just wanted to be happy, just wanted to smile, be happy and enjoy the last hurrah.”
Life After Boxing
Now that Kellie has stepped away from boxing, she has more time to focus on her life with Mandy. She has found joy in reconnecting with them and rediscovering herself. “Most of all, I’ve just been enjoying it,” she said. “Meeting people, just enjoying finding who I am again, and being that person. And I’m reconnecting with Mandy, as well, we’re doing a lot more stuff together.”
Their story is a beautiful blend of love, perseverance, and shared dreams. As they move forward, their journey continues to inspire those around them.