Taoiseach hails Grand Slam win with celebrations in Washington
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (centre) celebrates in Mattie and Eddies bar in Washington, DC, as he watches Ireland win the Six Nations title and the Grand Slam in Dublin after beating England. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has congratulated the Irish rugby team on winning the Grand Slam.
Ireland made history in Dublin as they completed just the fourth Grand Slam in their history as they were crowned Guinness Six Nations champions on home soil for the first time in 75 years.
Speaking in Washington, Mr Varadkar said: “Congratulations to the Grand Slam winning Irish team and staff.
“A fantastic achievement. Wishing them all the very best for their World Cup preparations.”
What a way to round off an incredible week to be Irish, @IrishRugby winning the Grand Slam at home.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) March 18, 2023
Bring on the World Cup! pic.twitter.com/W8giriZwid
The Six Nations win culminates a three-day St Patrick’s Day trip to the US capital during which Mr Varadkar met with US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
During a series of speeches and bilateral meetings, the Taoiseach thanked the US for its support on Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement, as Mr Biden hailed the Windsor Framework as a “vital, vital step”.
President Michael D Higgins also extended his congratulations to the team on the "fantastic achievement of winning the Grand Slam".
"The team has had a tremendous Six Nations campaign and thoroughly deserve the championship which they have won", Mr Higgins said.
"It is particularly pleasing to see the Grand Slam being won at home and it will provide a great boost to all those across the country who have come together to will the team on.
The president added: "May I pay special tribute to Johnny Sexton and congratulate him on captaining the team to this historic success in his final Six Nations campaign.”
Sports minister Catherine Martin has congratulated the Irish rugby team for “ a fantastic victory” in their Six Nations match against England.
"I wish to congratulate the Irish Rugby team on a fantastic victory today over England, which secured the Six Nation title,” she said “Throughout this year's championship, the Irish team have proven themselves capable of responding to all challenges, and have been a credit to the country. The continued success of the team augurs well for the future of Irish Rugby, in what could be a momentous year with the upcoming World Cup in France."
Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne also supported the team, saying they reached new heights of success.
“Their emphatic Six Nations triumph further cements their current status as the number one team in the world,” he said.
“I want to congratulate the team members, Andy Farrell and all of his staff on a fantastic championship win."
