Ireland 'proud of Olympians': Kenny

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said Ireland is proud of its Olympians as he wished them the best for London 2012.

Mr Kenny will meet some Team Ireland members at their training base in Twickenham, south-west London, this morning ahead of the opening ceremony.

“The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of sporting achievement for a huge number of sportsmen and women,” he said.

“I want to wish all of the athletes representing Ireland the very best over the duration of the Games.

“They have trained hard and made enormous sacrifices over many years to reach this point, and we are proud of their efforts in both qualifying and representing Ireland at this great spectacle.

“We will follow their progress on the world stage with excitement, respect and admiration.

“Having the Games so close to us in London makes it all the more special, given the historical and cultural ties between our two countries.”

The Taoiseach has also been invited to a special event for foreign leaders in Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen. He will also attend the opening ceremony

Team Ireland has been based at St Mary’s College, Twickenham, for several days as the build-up to the Games intensifies.

Among the first competitors in action are Tour de France cyclists Nicholas Roche and Dan Martin in Saturday’s road race.