Cathal Dennehy: Can Ireland harness Olympic success to create right environment for next generation?

The reality is the stuff that does drive participation is far less sexy than Olympic medals.

HARNESSING SUCCESS: Aoibhe Richardson, centre, with her mother, Niamh Richardson, right and her sister, Grace Richardson, from Kilkenny City Harriers celebrate finishing the 2019 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon. Picture:  Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

How many times in recent weeks did you hear this line or something like it: “So many kids will be inspired to take up sport because of this.” As the Irish team rowed, boxed, swam and swung its way to a record medal haul in Paris, the Olympic bingo card of buzzwords was ticked off at rapid pace.

This will inspire a generation.