Henihan praise for Irish efforts

IRISH Olympic bosses believe the national team have surpassed expectations at these Beijing Games.

Chef de mission Dermot Henihan last night heaped praise on Irish competitors who have broken national records and personal bests over the first six days of these Olympics

Said Henihan: “Tuesday was a great day for Irish and Olympic sport. You had Eoin Rheinisch coming fourth in the kayaking, Andrew Bree breaking a national record and then breaking another yesterday in the pool. You had John Joe Nevin in boxing, the lightweight fours and the equestrian team finishing eighth, so well done to them all.

“We came out and we played expectation down.

“And I think we have gone above the line we would have played expectation-wise, so well done across the board in sports. The heartbreaking one was Derek Burnett in the trap shooting. Apart from being a really nice guy, he did come out with legitimate hopes.”

Henihan also reported that Ireland’s athletes have begun to arrive in the Olympic Village from their training camp in Matsue.

“We now have five in and another group arriving today. They are all in fine fettle.”

He also praised the hundreds of supporters who travelled from Ireland to cheer on their friends and family.

He added: “The Irish are great supporters. There has been great Irish support in all the stadia from the swimming, the boxing, the badminton to the rowing. Fair play to all the people for putting their hands fairly deep in their pockets to come out here and support us.”