Three and a half seconds from glory

3.46 SECONDS. About the time it takes to read this sentence.

That’s the margin which separated Eoin Rheinisch from an Olympic medal yesterday.

So what do you say to a man who has produced an heroic performance yet missed a chance to become the 21st competitor from Ireland to stand on an Olympic podium? Do you commiserate or congratulate? Do you leave him with his thoughts or tears?