Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I welcome to the House the ambassador of the Czech Republic and share in the warm wishes to Peter Finnegan as on his retirement as Clerk of the Dáil. I use this opportunity to highlight the positivity of sport for communities, young people in particular. On my travels here today, I met with the Ballina Town under-17 girls team who had returned to Ireland having competed in Barcelona, where they finished third place in their tournament. The sense of joy from parents, players and coaches at the achievement and experience that has given those young children cannot be overstated. I compliment the coach of the team, Jack Gilmartin. The whole community rallied around this team with a fundraiser that benefited every other club and sporting organisation in town. It is a great example of a model that brings so much joy to a community. I highlight the team this afternoon and wish them well in their celebrations back home this evening. I wish I could join them.

I also highlight Master Harry Thompson, a six-time black belt in mixed martial arts, who has done incredible work for the sport in my local community and, indeed, nationally, working with kids and young people in schools and Foróige groups, and working with people who are disadvantaged and who have challenges, both physically and mentally. He has made a remarkable contribution to the sport. I acknowledge on the record of the House his achievements and his contribution to the local community and nationally.