Tánaiste to attend Paris Olympics

Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD will travel to Paris this week for a programme focused on the centenary of Ireland’s participation in the Olympics and the strong cultural and people-to-people links between Ireland and France.

The Tánaiste will have a bilateral meeting with Stéphane Séjourné, the acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France at the French Foreign Ministry at the Quai d’Orsay as part of his programme. Other elements include an event to celebrate the strength of Gaelic games in France and a visit the Centre Culturel Irlandais which is hosting an exhibition on the history of Ireland’s participation at the Olympics and acting as base for Irish athletes who have competed in the competition. He will also attend a number of Olympic events to support participating Irish athletes.

This year Ireland celebrates 100 years at the Olympic Games, marking a centenary of sporting achievements. More than 150 athletes will travel to Paris to represent Team Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, spanning over 27 sports.

Speaking ahead of the trip, the Tánaiste said: “I am very much looking forward to meeting with my French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné. There are challenging issues on the international agenda and France is an important European partner.

“I will also be supporting Ireland’s athletes who are competing on the global stage. Since we first competed in the Games as an independent State, Irish athletes have made remarkable contributions to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The world-class athletes representing our country in Paris this summer are a source of national pride, each displaying extraordinary levels of talent and dedication.

“I look forward to cheering on Team Ireland along with the rest of the country, and wish all of our athletes the best of luck.”

ENDS

Press Office

30 July 2024*

Note for editors: 100 Years of the Games: Ireland’s journey

Installed in the Centre Culturel Irlandais’s courtyard for Paris 2024, the exhibition 100 Years of the Games: Ireland’s journey marks the centenary of Ireland’s entry onto the sporting stage as an independent nation. The 1924 Paris Olympics was indeed the first time that Ireland was permitted to compete as a separate country. Researched and presented by historian Mark Duncan, the exhibition highlights Ireland’s journey into the Olympics including the arduous task of winning sporting rights for women athletes and those with physical disabilities. This exhibition is commissioned by the Embassy of Ireland in Paris and the Centre Culturel Irlandais.

An online version is available: 100 years of the Games (centreculturelirlandais.com)100 years of the Games (centreculturelirlandais.com)