What they said

Michael Carruth: Barcelona boxing gold medallist

"I nearly lost my voice. Even as Sonia was getting ready for the race I was feeling nervous myself. But it turned out to be marvellous, just fantastic. She passed expectations. I was a bit worried mid-race but Sonia showed how much she wanted it. I'd have loved to have welcomed her into the gold medal club but she is still only one of a handful of Irish people ever to win a silver. I'm absolutely proud and you never know what she might do yet in the 10,000 metres."

Jimmy Barry Murphy: Cork hurling team manager

"Sonia's win was great for Cork and great for Ireland too. It has been a tough games for us medals wise. I thought with 200 metres to go she was going to do it and I think it restored a certain amount of confidence after, I suppose, a bad week. Early on in the race Atlanta might have been playing on her mind. But I'd say now she's bannished many demons in that last lap. It showed tremendous determination to do what she did."

John Treacy: Los Angeles marathon silver medallist, chief executive of Irish sports council

"I am delighted that Sonia has achieved her dream of an Olympic medal. Like everyone in Irish sport. I am very proud of her outstanding performance."

Niall Quinn: Republic of Ireland soccer international

"I watched it at the training ground in a canteen with Michael Reddy. We were getting a bit excited. She ran her heart out, she always does. The racing was brilliant. It's all been brilliant. But we were dead proud. She's our flame at the Olympics."

Eamonn Coghlan: World Championship gold medallist

"This silver medal is going to shine brightest of all. It's the gutsiest run I've ever seen her run."

In interviews with Johnny Watterson