Ray "over the moon" at huge support for Team Ireland Olympians
Well-known local mental health advocate, Ray Larkin, said this week that he was "over the moon" to see such a huge turnout of support at Monday's homecoming ceremony on Dublin's O'Connell Street for the 133-strong contingent of Team Ireland athletes who took part in the Olympic Games.
Ray made the trip from Rahan to Dublin by train early on Monday morning to cheer on the Olympic heroes who brought so much joy to the country during the Paris 2024 Games, and said that, while he was interested in "all sports" at the Games, he took a particular interest in the fortunes of Ireland's boxers, including Tullamore's Gráinne Walsh.
Having made his way to the front of the stage which was set up outside the iconic GPO on O'Connell Street, and bedecked in the Ireland and Offaly colours, Ray Larkin was the toast of numerous media outlets, with his picture appearing not just in a number of Irish newspapers, but also in overseas publications. He was also interviewed for the RTE News.
"I was interviewed by so many different people that I can't remember who the half of them were, but I was delighted to tell everyone how proud I am of each and every member of Team Ireland" he said, adding that they had represented themselves, their families and their country "with great distinction on the biggest stage in the world, the Olympic Games."
As a mental health campaigner, and a strong advocate of speaking openly about mental health difficulties, Ray Larkin said it was "great to see so many children and families with big smiles on their faces" at Monday's homecoming ceremony, which was attended by over 20,000 people.
"The Team Ireland Olympians gave everyone in the country the lift they needed over the past two weeks, and children who went along to the homecoming with their families can dream of becoming a star for their country some day."
He added that he was "honoured" to meet the Irish Olympians and get the chance to have a chat with a number of them. "These young people, who work so hard to achieve their dreams, and face many tough challenges along the way, are an inspiration to all of us, and they should be honoured in every way possible" said Ray Larkin.