TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY seems to have been inspired by the speedy reactions of Katie Taylor: he sent out a press release congratulating the boxer on her Olympic gold just two minutes after the result was announced in London.
We can’t blame him (or his press people) for being quick off the mark – the whole country paused to watch Taylor take the top honour.
This what he said:
Katie Taylor is not only an Olympic champion, she is a force of nature whose pioneering spirit and boxing brilliance have seen her realise her personal dream of winning Olympic gold.
In doing so she has set an exceptional standard and there is no doubt that she is a role model that many will follow. She has won the hearts and minds of the Irish people who admire her greatly and love her to bits. Amidst it all Katie’s warmth and humility shine through. Her parents have been her guiding light but the exceptional relationship between Peter and Katie, her coach and father, has had a powerful impact on her career.
Team Ireland has done the country proud at the London Olympics and, although there are results still to come, we look set for a historic outcome. We congratulate all athletes on the achievement of making it to London to represent Ireland.
I would like to congratulate Cian O’Connor on his wonderful achievement of bronze in a spectacular show jumping display yesterday, where he showed that vital quality of constant readiness to perform at the highest level.
I also wish those who have earned a place in the medals but whose journeys continue and all those still to compete the very best in the days ahead. Our Irish athletes have already made the country proud and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so.
President Michael D Higgins also congratulated the Bray boxer on her win, saying that the 26-year-old had lifted the spirits of the nation with her success in the ring.
“I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Katie, who has represented this country with such courage, skill and pride over many years. She truly deserves this historic and hard earned victory; it is a just reward for her dedication and commitment,” he said.
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