Ministers Martin and Byrne wish Irish Olympians success in Paris
Ireland’s largest-ever team to compete at Olympic Games
Team Ireland backed by major State funding of €89m for Paris Cycle
State funding represents substantial increase on Tokyo Cycle
Minister for Tourism, Cultures, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne TD, extended their best wishes to the members of Team Ireland as they prepare to compete at the Olympic Games in Paris over the next two weeks.
With some 133 athletes travelling, this will be Ireland’s largest ever team competing at an Olympic Games.
This year marks the highest ever level of investment into High Performance Sport in Ireland, with €25m being provided.
There has also been a substantial increase on the €59 million invested in the Tokyo cycle, with more than €89 million invested from 2021 to 2024, reflecting the government’s commitment to delivering long-term sustained progress in sport.
The Ministers were speaking ahead of travelling to Paris to represent the Irish Government at the Games. The official opening ceremony of the Olympic Games takes place on Friday evening.
Minister Martin said: “I would like to extend my best wishes to the Irish team for the Paris Olympic Games. The government’s unwavering commitment to supporting high-performance sports is evident through our significant and sustained investments and comprehensive policy framework. I would like to congratulate all of our athletes who have qualified for the games, which is an achievement in itself. I know that they, and their coaches and families, have put enormous work and effort into getting this far, and I am sure they will do us proud over the coming weeks.”
Minister Byrne said: “This is the largest-ever Irish team to compete at an Olympics Games, which is a testament to the incredible work that Irish athletes and sporting organisations are putting in right across the country. We are already seeing so many positive outcomes from the strong support, financial and otherwise, which the State has provided Team Ireland with.
" I know that Irish people, at home and abroad, are really looking forward to cheering on Team Ireland at the Paris games. Based on recent performances, I believe we have some fantastic medal winning prospects across a number of sports, and I look forward to what promises to be a wonderful few weeks in Paris.”