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Taoiseach and Ministers congratulate Annalise Murphy on winning silver medal at Rio Olympic Games

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has congratulated Annalise Murphy on winning a silver medal in today’s women's laser radial at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The Taoiseach said:

I wish to congratulate Annalise Murphy on an outstanding performance in winning a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Winning Ireland's first sailing medal in the Olympics since 1980 is a fantastic achievement and testament to Annalise's hard work, dedication and talent. 

Following on from her fourth place finish in 2012, I am delighted for Annalise, her family and for Irish sailing, that she has won a silver medal - just rewards for the considerable sacrifices made in pursuit of this Olympic success.

Transport, Tourism and Sport Minister Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, also congratulated Murphy 

Speaking after the final Minister Ross said:

I am delighted for Annalise, we all know how determined she was to bring home a medal, after coming so close four years ago this is a fantastic achievement for her. Bouncing back from the disappointment of finishing fourth in London 2012 to become European Champion in 2013 to now achieving a silver medal at the Olympics is a wonderful endorsement for what can be achieved through hard work and talent. She has been so determined and she is a fantastic role model for all young athletes.


Minister O’Donovan said:

Annalise has worked so hard not just for the last week but for the last four years, to overcome the frustration of 2012 and win an Olympic silver medal at Rio is no more than she deserves. To become the first Irish female to win an Olympic medal in sailing and Ireland’s first medal in sailing since 1980 is magnificent for Annalise, Team Ireland and the country. It was great to hear her brother was able to be there to support her during this achievement. Her family and the sailing club in Dun Laoghaire I’m sure are immensely proud to see her on that podium. It has been a great few days on the water for Team Ireland and hopefully there will be many more successes to come.