Having welcomed Team Ireland back home earlier this week and held festive celebrations to honour our triumphant Olympians who have set new records, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the exceptional few weeks in Paris. We called upon our readers to share your most memorable Olympic moments and highlights. Here, we present a compilation of your reactions and a series of editor’s letters.
Commentaries on the 2024 Olympics from our readers
Rhys’s victory in snagging the gold medal had my heart racing with anticipation. I sat on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, silently urging him on, and didn’t he give a magnificent performance that left me breathless and teary-eyed with joy! – Gerard Lennon, Co Cavan
Amidst all the cheerful narratives, the moment that struck me most was Saturday 10th August at around 8pm UK time’s emotional rollercoaster – fear and despair mixed with hope and intense joy. Ireland has not seen a strong contender in track events for years which may explain my indifference towards them. However, witnessing four strong, articulate, and determined Irish girls compete at such a high level, pouring their heart and soul into their craft and maintaining their composure amidst fierce competition and disappointment, was both inspiring and emotionally overwhelming. Although their immediate defeat was heartbreaking, I was filled with immense pride. Their performance was an inspiration to all, particularly expatriates like myself. Here’s hoping they achieve more success and exhilarating moments in forthcoming competitions. I look forward to following more athletic events throughout the year. The raw emotions captured on live TV were incredible. Kudos to RTÉ and David Gillick for doing a splendid job; truly embodying the Irish spirit and spreading positivity to passersby from other teams. They truly highlighted the incredible capabilities of Team Ireland. – Catherine Kavanagh, London
Our sprawling family typically convenes for a week every year in Caherdaniel, and this year, by happy circumstance, it corresponded with the Olympic’s inaugural week. Following a splendid Monday at the seaside, the eight cousins came together, supporting Mona McSharry from in front of the television, and the subsequent evening was reserved for cheering on Daniel Wiffen. Equivalent to the ‘Italia 90’, it will be a moment that the younger generation will recollect, particularly their whereabouts during Paris 2024. Best, Eamon McKay from Co Kerry.
Olympic Postscript
My argument posits that the shared admiration for our stellar national or Olympic sports contestants can bring together an entire country, at least briefly. Two predominant sentiments emerged from the games: pride and appreciation. Most of us feel particular gratitude towards the remarkable athletes, their kin, and their teams for their commendable achievements. It was heart-warming to discover that the bulk of the fellow countrymen were in good spirits, rooting for these athletes. Most Olympians acknowledge that their behaviour during the games mirrors their nations. It was thoroughly pleasing to observe all our contenders standing proud and the profound respect each Irish entrant exuded while representing their nation. With a whole nation closely watching, they could confidently state that they delivered their utmost performance. A heartfelt compliment to you all for your utmost exertions. John O’Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.
Dear Editor,
Given the present scenario, it may be an opportune moment to contemplate this fact, highlighted by multiple researches, that while recipients of Olympic gold are supremely joyous, those securing bronze report greater joy than those gaining silver. It is an appealing thought to consider, the short-term elation we enjoyed over this rather sombre summer, would be experienced in the long run by those who secured a podium finish in Paris. Team Ireland, together with their predecessors from earlier games deserves applause for enabling this. Warm regards, Brian O’Brien from Kinsale, Co Cork.
There’s no denying that the star sports narrator during the Olympic games on RTÉ was undoubtedly for basketball. The Olympics brought my attention to Tim McCarthy, and it was simple to be captivated right away. His fervour for the game was unrivalled. His distinctive way of expressing himself, conveyed at a rapid pace, perfectly encapsulated the thrill of each match for the viewers. Despite the unusual terms he used in discussing basketball, it was easy to deduce what he meant by phrases like “boom-shaka-laka”, “shot from downtown” or “my beautiful balloon”, making him a candidate deserving of a gold medal in commentary. The insight is via Jim Ward from Barna, Galway.
Indeed, Paris 2024 demonstrated that the Olympic Games proudly stands as the main global sports festival. For a fortnight, the world revolved around Paris as the French demonstrated the unifying potency of sports with their quintessential Gallic style. The city exuded warmth, unity, vibrancy, and camaraderie. Celine Dion’s stirring performance of L’hymne à l’amour (The Hymn to Love) at the vivid opening ceremony paved the way for a meticulously timed event. We were given the opportunity to watch the world’s finest competitors striving for their personal, as well as national, pride. These athletes were the true heroes pushing their limits for the honour of their country. While not everyone managed to snag a medal, achieving the status of an Olympian is an honour that each competitor can brag about for the rest of their lives. Striving for an Olympic medal, be it gold, silver or bronze, is a lifetime achievement. To reach the podium, athletes spared no effort. These were the exact reasons why we ignored our daily chores, left the dog unwalked, the grass uncut, all to bask in the competitive spirit and admire the remarkable performance of these top athletes.
Paris 2024 has imprinted on Ireland’s memory. Our valiant Olympians outperformed expectations, subdued formidable opponents, showcased tremendous strength, showcased exceptional swimming skills, and ran with unparalleled agility. Team Ireland’s success has brought us national pride. Kudos to Team Ireland! This perspective is provided by Billy Ryle from Tralee, Co Kerry.
Dear Editor, – The Olympic Games over the recent fortnight has been a beacon of unity, fellowship and pure delight, regardless of the outcome of the matches. This sense of sportsmanship, palpable among all athletes, is truly remarkable. As the new football season dawns, it could be beneficial to adopt this wonderful Olympic ethos. – GM Hughes, Stockport, England
Dear editor – The extraordinary performances by Team Ireland in Paris has caused great admiration in me. Rhys McClenaghan’s account of his decade-long pact with his coach for Olympic gold was particularly moving. I am compelled to take a leaf out of his book. I just need to choose an event appropriate for someone in their late seventies. – Hugh McDonnell, Dublin 9
Dear Editor – I harbour deep anxiety for the young generation of Ireland. Post the Olympics, it leaves me wondering how they could possibly bear without the habitual national inferiority complex. Heartiest congratulations to all. A lot more laurels yet to be won. – Jackie Nugent, Dublin 7