The Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and the Minister of State for Sport, Charlie McConalogue TD, have today paid tribute to Thomas Barr, triple Olympian and European medallist, who has announced his retirement. Waterford native Barr is one of Ireland’s most successful ever athletes, having won a historic bronze medal in the 400m hurdles at the 2018 European Athletics Championships, becoming the first Irish male sprinter to win an outdoor European medal in the 84-year history of the event. He has represented Ireland at the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. Last year, he was a key member of the Irish mixed 4 X 400m relay teams which claimed bronze and gold medals at the World Relays and European Championships respectively.
Minister O’Donovan said:
“I congratulate Thomas Barr on his sporting achievements as he hangs up his spikes. The Déise can be very proud of all Thomas has achieved across his glittering career. Very few people have the honour of representing their nation internationally, and Thomas did this at the very highest level, at three Olympics, with his national record from the 2016 games still standing to this day. Thomas has been an extraordinary advocate for athletics and for sport in general, and I want to thank him and wish him well for the next challenge.”
Minister McConalogue said:
“Thomas Barr’s athletic record speaks for itself, as he has achieved unprecedented success in his chosen field of sprinting. Beyond his contribution on the track, his commitment to the growth of athletics in Ireland deserves recognition. I am sure Thomas will continue his involvement with sport in other ways, but for now, I want to reflect on all he has achieved and pay tribute to one of Ireland’s finest athletes.”