GRÁINNE MURPHY’S father yesterday described his daughter’s achievements as the greatest thrill of his life, following her silver medal win in the 1500m freestyle at the European Swimming Championships.
Speaking from Budapest yesterday, Brendan Murphy said he and his wife Mary were “absolutely thrilled”. Seeing their daughter take the silver medal was “the greatest thrill of our lives”.
The couple were joined in Budapest by their other daughter, Niamh, to see 17-year-old Gráinne compete in the week-long championships where she finished seventh in the 400m individual medley and fourth in the 800m freestyle before taking silver on Saturday afternoon.
Gráinne was also cheered on by a huge crowd in the the Horse and Hound, which is owned by her parents, in her home village of Ballinaboola, a few miles from New Ross, Co Wexford. The pub was adorned with bunting and banners on Saturday to mark her victory.
Gráinne’s aunts, uncles and grandparents were all very proud of her achievements and will be ready to welcome her home to Co Wexford this evening after she flies into Dublin at noon today.
Mr Murphy thanked all those who had supported his daughter in Budapest.
Her father paid tribute to his daughter for the hard work she had put in.
“We thought that getting to a final would be the most we could hope for, but the work she has done, no one realises. She is first in to training and the last to leave. It is unbelievable. She is very dedicated.”
When asked if there would be celebrations in Ballinaboola this week, Brendan replied: “Without doubt. They think they have celebrated without us, they haven’t seen anything yet.”
Chairman of New Ross Town Council John Dwyer was also effusive in praise for the teenager: “It is nothing short of phenomenal what she has achieved at 17 years of age.” Cllr Dwyer indicated that there would be a reception for Gráinne in New Ross in the coming weeks.
Martin Kirby, Gráinne’s former trainer at New Ross Swimming Club joined with President Mary McAleese and Minister for Sport Mary Hanafin in congratulating the Wexford swimmer.
“I remember Gráinne being in the pool as young as two years old and her parents, especially Mary, were always very supportive,” said Mr Kirby yesterday.
Mrs McAleese said: “It was truly uplifting to witness Gráinne’s courageous performances throughout the week . . . I wish Gráinne every success at the beginning of what promises to be a very exciting swimming career.”