President Higgins congratulates Heffernan on medal win

President Michael D Higgins has led the tributes to Rob Heffernan who claimed Ireland's first gold medal at the World Athletics Championships for 18 years in the men's 50 kilometres in Moscow today.

“ All of us will share in this wonderful moment for Rob and his family, whom I met in Áras an Uachtaráin last year,” he said.

“Rob came so close to success in the London Olympics and now through hard work and dedication he has achieved all that he deserves.

My best wishes to all of the Irish team in Moscow, they will be uplifted by Rob’s great win.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny congratulated Heffernan on his “wonderful achievement”.

“I met Rob following his fourth place finish in last year’s Olympics and I am particularly pleased to see him win today.

This gold medal shows his tremendous strength of character and determination to grow stronger from each near miss.

"That today's win was the fastest time in the world this year further highlights the scale of his achievement and I offer him the warmest congratulations on behalf of the people of Ireland. "

Minister for Sport Leo Varadkar and junior minister Michael Ring also congratulated Heffernan on "an outstanding performance" in the IAAF World Championships.

“It’s a huge achievement for Rob. After so many years competing at the very top level of international race walking, it is a just and most deserve reward for all his hard work and determination,” Mr Varadkar said.

“It was a great performance by Rob and considering he came so close to a medal in 2010, this is a superb accomplishment for all his endeavour,” Mr Ring added.

Heffernan (35) has been funded by the Irish Sports Council since 2001.