Irish Para athletes, staff and board members were welcomed at Iveagh House yesterday along with their Olympic counterparts to promote the Department of Foreign Affairs’ ‘Make the Right Memories’ safe travel messaging ahead of the Paralympic Games in Paris.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for European Affairs Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne TD welcomed Team Ireland athletes to Iveagh House were in attendance to wish the athletes well.
Irish para athletes Colin Judge, Shauna Bocquet and Dearbhaile Brady were joined by Paralympics Ireland President Eimear Breathnach and CEO Stephen McNamara.
Minister McConalogue said: “This summer marks 100 years of Ireland competing at the Olympic Games, on an international stage as an independent State. Since Paris 1924 and Rome 1960, Irish athletes have made remarkable contributions to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Their talent, perseverance, and strength of spirit stands as a point of national pride, and reminds us that there is no limit to what we can achieve.
“I am delighted that Team Ireland athletes, as role models and representatives of Ireland on the international stage, will also promote the Government’s travel advice for citizens travelling to support them this summer.”
Minister Carroll MacNeill said: “Our team of amazing athletes and vibrant travelling fans at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics will help build even better connections between Ireland with France, our nearest EU neighbours.
“The Games this summer build on the positive experiences we had at the Rugby World Cup last autumn, and indeed from the growing network of 27 GAA clubs across France – 90% of whose members are French.
“I encourage everyone travelling abroad to visit Ireland.ie for our most up-to-date information and advice. I also urge anyone planning a trip to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and to carry both a valid Passport Card and European Health Insurance Card.
“I wish everyone travelling to the Games especially our Team Ireland athletes and officials the very best of luck. We look forward to cheering you all on. Allez les verts!”
Minister Byrne said: “Ireland has a rich and unique sporting heritage and this is evident in the increasing competitiveness of our athletes and teams internationally. We are extremely proud of the over 150 athletes expected to represent our country in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics this summer.
“As excitement builds for the Paris Games, I look forward to cheering on Team Ireland and indeed, building on the legacy of Paris 2024 to ensure another 100 years of Irish participation in future Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Paralympics Ireland President Eimear Breathnach said: “Preparation is key for elite athletes and we are thrilled to receive these passport cards from the Department of Foreign Affairs. A smooth travel experience can be the fine margin between a good performance and a great one, and we’re grateful to the Department for providing these cards. They will allow our athletes to focus on giving their best and achieving their goals, knowing that everything within their control has been taken care of.”
Find out more about the “Make the Right Memories” safe travel messaging here.
Visit Ireland.ie/TravelWise for the most up-to-date thematic and country-specific advice.
