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Ministers Varadkar and Ring congratulated Rob Heffernan on an outstanding performance in winning a gold medal in the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Ireland’s first Gold at the World championship since Sonia O’Sullivan in 1995.

Minister Varadkar said “It's a huge achievement for Rob. After so many years competing at the very top level of international race walking, it is a just and most deserve reward for all his hard work and determination.”

Minister Ring added “It was a great performance by Rob and considering he came so close to a medal in 2010, this is a superb accomplishment for all his endeavour.”

Rob, who was named as athlete of the year last year, has been funded by the Irish Sports Council since 2001.