Irish athletes visit Taoiseach after hugely successful European Championships

Taoiseach Simon Harris today welcomed athletes, support staff and executives from Athletics Ireland to Government Buildings for a reception to mark a hugely successful European Athletics Championships.

The Taoiseach reflected on the team’s remarkable performance in Rome with athletes Sharlene Mawdsley, Sophie Becker, Phil Healy, Lauren Cadden, Mark Smyth, Joseph Ojewumi and Hiko Tonosa.

Ireland won two gold medals and two silver medals at the tournament.

Mr Harris also paid tribute to all of the team’s other athletes and support staff who couldn’t be at Government Buildings this morning.

Speaking after the meeting, he said: “I was delighted to welcome our athletes to Government Buildings this morning to congratulate them on behalf of the country for their success at the European Athletics Championships. Their remarkable dedication, discipline and hard work has inspired the country.

“They have made enormous sacrifices to reach these achievements and we are so proud of their efforts, which will be hugely motivating for young people across the nation who are participating in many different sports.

“These results give our athletes and the public great momentum ahead of the Olympic Games this summer and I know the whole country will get behind and support each one of them.”