Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Catherine Martin TD, alongside Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education, and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, have expressed their joy in welcoming back the 133 athletes who proudly represented Ireland in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Out of the 133 athletes, 64 were women and 69 were men who competed in 14 different sports, achieving a total of 7 medals. Not only did they bring home medals, but they also achieved personal bests and seasonal bests, showcasing their dedication and hard work.
Minister Martin commended Team Ireland for making the nation proud, highlighting that they are the most successful team Ireland has ever had at an Olympic Games. She also mentioned the overwhelming support shown by Irish fans who traveled to France to cheer on the athletes, emphasizing the importance of this support.
Back in Ireland, the athletes received tremendous support every step of the way, from families to coaches, sporting bodies to the Olympic Federation, and the Sport Ireland Institute. Minister Martin congratulated everyone involved in this incredible journey and emphasized the significance of investing in the sporting system to continue supporting athletes in the future.
Minister Byrne echoed Minister Martin’s sentiments by praising the athletes for their outstanding performance, making it the most successful Olympic Games for Ireland. Sending the largest team to the Paris Games resulted in the greatest ever medal haul, showcasing the growth and development of Irish sports.
National records were shattered in sports like athletics and swimming, reaching finals and making significant progress in sports where Ireland has not traditionally been strong. Minister Byrne expressed his gratitude towards the French people for hosting such a remarkable event, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on Irish sports.
The success in Paris is a testament to the strong Irish sports system that supports a variety of sports, thanks to the collective effort of family members, friends, volunteers, and supporters. Minister Byrne also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Sport Ireland, and the Department of Sport in nurturing high-performance athletes and the sporting community.
As Ireland celebrates the achievements of its Olympic champions, it is clear that the ongoing investment in sports at all levels is paying off. The dedication and hard work of the athletes, combined with the unwavering support from various stakeholders, have propelled Irish sports to new heights on the global stage. The future looks bright for Irish sports as they continue to build on this success and inspire the next generation of athletes.
