Taoiseach congratulates Taylor on Olympic gold and sends best wishes to Team Ireland

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny today congratulated Katie Taylor after her gold medal win in London saying:

“Katie Taylor is not only an Olympic champion, she is a force of nature whose pioneering spirit and boxing brilliance have seen her realise her personal dream of winning Olympic gold.

“In doing so she has set an exceptional standard and there is no doubt that she is a role model that many will follow. She has won the hearts and minds of the Irish people who admire her greatly and love her to bits. Amidst it all Katie’s warmth and humility shine through. Her parents have been her guiding light but the exceptional relationship between Peter and Katie, her coach and father, has had a powerful impact on her career.

“Team Ireland has done the country proud at the London Olympics and, although there are results still to come, we look set for a historic outcome. We congratulate all athletes on the achievement of making it to London to represent Ireland.

“I would like to congratulate Cian O’Connor on his wonderful achievement of bronze in a spectacular show jumping display yesterday, where he showed that vital quality of constant readiness to perform at the highest level.

“I also wish those who have earned a place in the medals but whose journeys continue and all those still to compete the very best in the days ahead. Our Irish athletes have already made the country proud and I have no doubt that they will continue to do so.”