Statement by President Higgins ahead of Paris Olympics

Statement by President Higgins ahead of Paris Olympics

Date: Fri 26th Jul, 2024 | 15:47

"As President of Ireland, may I extend my very best wishes to all those Olympians who will represent our country with such distinction over the course of the XXXIII Olympiad now underway in Paris.

Competing at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of a sporting career and represents four years of dedicated work and preparation by our athletes.

This year's Olympics has a special significance for Ireland, as it marks the centenary of our first appearance at the Olympics as an independent nation in the same city. That was at the 1924 Paris Olympics. I know that everyone in the country will be firmly behind each and every one of our athletes as they seek to perform to their highest potential. This will hopefully add to the 11 Gold Medals, 10 Silver Medals and 14 Bronze Medals which athletes representing Ireland have won since 1924.

May I wish each of them, their coaches, support team and all of their families and friends the very best of luck over what promises to be a very exciting two weeks for Irish sport.

Traoslaím libh uilig, beir bua!"