merrion street

I am delighted to be here today to celebrate your amazing achievements. 16 medals; numerous world records; personal best achieved and an Irish athlete chosen as the winner of the Whanf Youn Dai Achievement Award. That is an impressive accomplishment.

I would like to congratulate each and every one of the 49 athletes that took part in the London 2012 games. You are an inspiration to younger generations, as you prove that daunting challenge can be turned into towering achievement.

It is fitting that Michael McKillop, an athlete who dedicates time to helping and encouraging thousands of school children, and who believes that all paralympians shoud serve as role models for the next generation, should win an award for embodying the best spirit of the paralympic games. (Michael was one of 2 winners of the Whanf Youn Dai award). Well done Michael!

I would also like to express my thanks, and to congratulate Paralympics Ireland. Without your tireless efforts, we may not have been celebrating today. I know that some of today’s athletes were discovered at your talent identification programme in 2008. I understand that you will be running another programme next month in anticipation of the Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

I was impressed when I heard that we came 19th on the medal table, out of 164 countries. This proves once again that as a small nation we continue to punch above our weight!

Finally, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I would like to express my gratitude to the Irish team for being such impressive sporting ambassadors for our country. You were a highlight of the London Paralympics – that is clear from the reception you received there. With your elite performance, and your sportsmanship, you have done your country a great service, and made the Irish people extremely proud.