Jim McDaid couldn't have been much happier if he was wearing the yellow jersey himself. After starting the race in both Dublin and Enniscorthy, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation followed it through every town on the route and what he saw surpassed all his expectations.
"The whole weekend just went beyond anything I had imagined," he said. "The crowds that turned out along the route were so impressive and that's something I'll remember for a long time. All along the way they were looking out, leaning over the crash barriers and waiting for the race. There's so much excitement involved and whole thing was so spectacular."
Rarely will sport and tourism have combined so sweetly. "It's fair to say that this was the biggest single tourist attraction the country will ever see," added McDaid. "You can't even estimate the impact this will have on the overall economy and even with the few problems with traders and road closures and the like, I don't think too many people are complaining.
"I know for a fact that the Tour organisers have been full of praise for the way the country hosted the race. As for the television exposure, well that was something money normally couldn't buy. It was certainly a great investment on our behalf."
Memories of the Tour will linger long in Enniscorthy. Treacy's Hotel already has a brass plate on its wall to commemorate the fact that the Festina and Polti teams stayed there on Sunday night.
And the Urban Council is considering the installation of a plaque to mark the start-line between Doyle's and Donohoe's public houses at the historic Duffry Gate.
Businesses in the Wexford town took the day off and surrendered to the allure of the occasion. The banks went with the flow, not opening their doors until midday and most shops followed suit.