The Irish Paralympic team has been honoured by the Government at a reception in Dublin today.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny congratulated Ireland's Paralympic Team, saying they gave the Irish nation two weeks of pride, class and joy this summer.
At a Government reception at Farmleigh for the athletes and their families, Mr Kenny told the team they had been superb ambassadors for Ireland, and they had been a credit to themselves and the country.
He said every one of them was a "testament to the discipline".
"I know that your remarkable performances will encourage more people to focus on ability in all its possibilities all its forms," he added.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, told the athletes this had been the summer that Paralympic sport went mainstream.
Mr Varadkar said the team's achievement in coming 19th position with 16 medals ahead of big countries like Canada was an enormous achievement.
Speaking before the event Mr Varadkar said he could not make any promises on funding for Paralympic sport but he said the athletes had delivered.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, who was also at the reception, said the team were an "inspiration" to younger generations.
He added that they had proven that a daunting challenge can be turned into "towering achievement".
Last night, Lakeside Wheelers cycling club held a reception in Co Westmeath for four of the Paralympic team.
Double gold medal winner Mark Rohan, along with Francine Meehan from Offaly who won silver in the individual B pursuit and bronze medal winners Damien Shaw and tandem partner James Brown were honoured at the event.
