'We are so proud of what you've done'

FARMLEIGH EVENT:TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny insisted sporting success was not all about financial investment when he hosted a reception for Ireland's Olympic athletes at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park in Dublin yesterday.

“I see in the time ahead the usual calls that will say we need another €50 million or €100 million here or there. It’s not all about money,” Mr Kenny said.

“For me, what we’ve got to do here is recognise and put in place a strategy that will identify potential in our schools at an early time. The champions of the future are in the system now.”

Mr Kenny offered “special congratulations” to medal-winning boxers Katie Taylor, John Joe Nevin, Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan, as well as to showjumper Cian O’Connor, who was at the Dublin Horse Show.

After greeting Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey and chef de mission Sonia O’Sullivan, Mr Kenny posed for photographs with the boxing medallists. Conlan cheekily raised two fingers behind the Taoiseach’s head. “No rabbit’s ears!” an official cried, but it was all taken in good spirits.

Mr Kenny went on to praise the “team performance” of all the Irish athletes “who pulled on the green singlet of Ireland” in London. “We are so proud of what you’ve done.”

He also had words of comfort for those who came “heart-breakingly” close to medal success, including sailor Annalise Murphy and race walker Rob Heffernan. “Rio de Janeiro beckons in 2016.”

Mr Kenny thanked the athletes for inspiring the country’s children. He also thanked the parents of the Olympians “for raising such exemplary sons and daughters”.