Ireland’s performance in the Olympics has proven the country needs a higher ‘commitment to investment’ and funding, according to Ger Gilroy. 

Team Ireland made history at this year’s Olympic Games, winning more medals than any other season before. 

It was also a year of firsts, with several athletes setting new records for Irish sporting performances. 

Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy was in Paris for the past two weeks – where it feels like the “Olympics is having a moment and is coming back to a position where it really matters”. 

“When we were kids, it was the be-all and end-all,” he told The Anton Savage Show. 

“[But now] we're overwhelmed by transfer gossip and Premier League glitz and glam. 

“It feels like the Olympic sports are becoming more accessible to audiences.” 

Kellie Harrington following her semi-final win against Beatriz Ferreira in the 2024 Paris Olympics., 03/08/2024. Image: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

To keep up the momentum, however, Ireland must invest more in its sporting facilities to train the next generation of Olympians. 

“There is a press conference this morning where Micheál Martin and the Sports Minister are going to outline some funding plans,” Ger said. 

He hopes the Government does not plan to announce funding that has already been committed. 

“What we need off the back of this is a commitment to investment in grassroots sport and elite sport,” he said. 

“It's a dual process, where you get the kids who are inspired by the elite athletes, but you also allow the elite athletes to continue to prosper and do better and have more strength and depth. 

“[We do that] so we get another 400m runner who's fast enough to get us on the podium next.” 

Funding for the Olympics

There have been calls to increase funding for high-performance sports in Ireland, with €25 million allocated this year. 

In comparison, horse racing and greyhound racing together received €95 million in state funding this year. 

Ger said there has been a “concerted effort” to improve coaching and structures for athletes in Ireland. 

“Sports Campus Ireland, out in Abbottstown, has been a kind of key driver in that,” he said. “High performers are comparing and contrasting, sharing knowledge, and what's happening at an athlete level. 

“It turns out, if you put a bit of money in, you get great returns out. 

Silver medalist Nariman Kurbanov of Team Kazakhstan, left, Gold medalist Rhys McClenaghan of Team Ireland, centre, and bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik of Team US after the Olympics Men's Pommel Final. Image: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

“That's the case for making better investments, and we've shown that we can provide value for money, inspire, and unite the country. 

“There's a million different ways that you can take advantage of what we've seen.” 

Records set at the Olympics include Daniel Wiffen becoming the first Irish man to win a Gold medal for swimming and the first to win two medals for swimming in one Olympic Game. 

Boxer Kellie Harrington also became the first woman to win back-to-back Gold medals, while rower Paul O’Donovan was the first to win medals in three Olympic games. 

In athletics, Rhasidat Adeleke became the first Irish person to reach a 400m final, while the Women's 4x400m relay team also became the first Irish team to reach the final.