Taoiseach Sends His Best Wishes to Irish Olympic Team in the lead in to the Beijing Olympic Games 2008

Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD, has extended his best wishes to the Irish team in the lead in to the Beijing Olympic Games 2008.

The Taoiseach said, "Competing for Ireland at the Olympics is an achievement of great distinction. It takes years of hard work and dedication just to participate in the Games.

I want to congratulate every member of Team Ireland on their personal achievement in qualifying for the Beijing Games. I know they will do themselves and their country proud.

Ireland has a distinguished history of Olympic participation and notable successes, which stand out in the collective memory of the Irish people. The Olympic qualifying standards are incredibly demanding. The challenges for our athletes in the weeks ahead cannot be underestimated but I know they will rise to meet them.

I want to wish all the athletes the very best of luck in Beijing. As our sporting ambassadors, they will represent our country with pride and honour."

Ends.