Ministers and Team Ireland Athletes Promote Travel Advice Ahead of Paris 2024 Games

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister of State for European Affairs Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne TD welcomed Team Ireland athletes to Iveagh House today to wish them well and to promote the Department of Foreign Affairs’ ‘Make the Right Memories’ safe travel messaging ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

Irish para athletes Colin Judge, Shauna Bocquet and Dearbhaile Brady have qualified to represent Ireland in Para Table Tennis, Para Athletics and Para Swimming. They were joined by Paralympics Ireland President Eimear Breathnach and CEO Stephen McNamara.

Irish athletes Cian O’Connor, Sarah Ennis and Amee-Leigh Murphy-Crowe have qualified to represent Ireland in Showjumping, Eventing, and Rugby Sevens. They were joined by Olympics Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard and Horse Sport Ireland CEO Denis Duggan.

Minister McConalogue said: “This summer marks 100 years of Ireland competing at the Olympic Games, on an international stage as an independent State. Since Paris 1924 and Rome 1960, Irish athletes have made remarkable contributions to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Their talent, perseverance, and strength of spirit stands as a point of national pride, and reminds us that there is no limit to what we can achieve.

“I am delighted that Team Ireland athletes, as role models and representatives of Ireland on the international stage, will also promote the Government’s travel advice for citizens travelling to support them this summer.”

Minister Carroll MacNeill said: “Our team of amazing athletes and vibrant travelling fans at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics will help build even better connections between Ireland with France, our nearest EU neighbours.

“The Games this summer build on the positive experiences we had at the Rugby World Cup last autumn, and indeed from the growing network of 27 GAA clubs across France – 90% of whose members are French.

“I encourage everyone travelling abroad to visit Ireland.ie for our most up-to-date information and advice. I also urge anyone planning a trip to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and to carry both a valid Passport Card and European Health Insurance Card.

“I wish everyone travelling to the Games especially our Team Ireland athletes and officials the very best of luck. We look forward to cheering you all on. Allez les verts!”

Minister Byrne said: “Ireland has a rich and unique sporting heritage and this is evident in the increasing competitiveness of our athletes and teams internationally. We are extremely proud of the over 150 athletes expected to represent our country in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics this summer.

“As excitement builds for the Paris Games, I look forward to cheering on Team Ireland and indeed, building on the legacy of Paris 2024 to ensure another 100 years of Irish participation in future Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Paralympics Ireland President Eimear Breathnach said: “Preparation is key for elite athletes and we are thrilled to receive these passport cards from the Department of Foreign Affairs. A smooth travel experience can be the fine margin between a good performance and a great one, and we're grateful to the Department for providing these cards. They will allow our athletes to focus on giving their best and achieving their goals, knowing that everything within their control has been taken care of."

Olympics Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard said: “We were delighted to be welcomed to Iveagh House today for a send-off from the Department of Foreign Affairs. The first of our team travels to Paris tomorrow, and the preparations are going well. This year we celebrate 100 years of Team Ireland competing at the Olympics, and we are anticipating a very special Games. The preparations are made all the easier, thanks to the support of key stakeholders, like the DFA. We want to thank them and look forward to a memorable summer."