The President, Mrs McAleese, has praised Sonia O'Sullivan's Olympic silver medal performance as an "outstanding personal achievement".
In a message sent to the Cobh athlete at Sydney's Olympic village, she told O'Sullivan her result had been achieved "through complete dedication and commitment to your sport".
Mrs McAleese added: "These qualities, coupled with your natural talent, have rightfully earned you a place in history as the first Irish woman to win an Olympic track and field medal." The Taoiseach said O'Sullivan had run with "the weight of Irish expectations on her shoulders" but, showing the courage and determination typical of her career, she "proved to the world what a superb athlete she truly is".
Mr Ahern added: "Irish people throughout the world will be feeling so proud today but nowhere more than in Sonia's native Cobh . . . On behalf of the Government, I want to send my warm congratulations to Sonia, her family and all the friends who supported her throughout her career. Sonia, you have made us all proud."
The Tanaiste, Ms Harney, added her congratulations in an e-mail to Ms O'Sullivan's website (www.soniaosullivan.com). Calling her a "true winner to Irish people all over the world", Ms Harney added: "Your tremendous strength of character is an inspiration to us all."
The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said: "My warmest congratulations to Sonia O'Sullivan on a fantastic run . . . She has made millions of Irish people very happy today and I wish her every success in the 10,000 metres later this week."
Ireland's former world 5,000 metres champion, Eamon Coghlan, described O'Sullivan's performance as "the gutsiest race she's ever run". Mr Coghlan had questioned her chances in the 5,000 metres event but, speaking on RTE yesterday, said she now had very bright prospects in the 10,000 metres.
Fine Gael's spokesman on sport, Mr Bernard Allen, said O'Sullivan had always been dignified in victory and defeat alike and had shown great courage and determination in overcoming her disappointments. Cork East TD, Fianna Fail's Mr Michael Ahern, said the silver medal was "just reward for a tremendous athlete who has done this country proud".