Minister for Sports Martin Cullen today travels to Beijing to support the Irish athletes competing in the Beijing Olympic Games.
The Minister will represent the Irish Government at the opening of the Olympics on Friday and will return to Ireland after the Games conclude in three weeks.
He is also due to hold talks with EU ministers of sport at an informal meeting in the French Embassy in Beijing next week.
Mr Cullen sent his best wishes to the 54 athletes representing Ireland across 12 sports.
“Their hours and years of steady and often times of solitary practice, when no one was watching and no one was cheering, has paid off.”
“Representing your country at the Olympic Games is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed upon a sportsperson," Mr Cullen said
"The Olympic Council of Ireland has worked hard to ensure that the Irish team have the best facilities and support in China, he added.
PA