President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have congratulated the Irish rugby team who defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand this morning, with the Taoiseach saying the victory had given the nation "a huge lift".
Writing on Twitter, President Higgins said: "As President of Ireland, may I congratulate the Irish rugby team, led by their captain Johnny Sexton, on their outstanding and historic achievement today".
The Taoiseach also tweeted his congratulations, saying that the achievement would live long in history.
Mr Martin said it had given the whole country a lift this morning.
Extraordinary, sensational and breathless victory by @IrishRugby over the All Blacks.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 16, 2022
This achievement will live long in history - a first test series win, and New Zealand's first series defeat on home soil since 1994.
A huge lift for the entire nation this morning.
Using the Maori name for New Zealand, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted his congratulations too.
Historic moment for Ireland in Aotearoa.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 16, 2022
👏 Comhghairdeas @IrishRugby 🇮🇪 https://t.co/W4YwXIOEmc
Sinn Féin's leader in Northern Ireland also congratulated the team on Twitter, writing "An absolutely extraordinary performance, as Ireland make history with our first ever series victory over the All Blacks in New Zealand!", along with an applauding emoji.
Congratulations @IrishRugby for this historic #NZLvIRE victory 🏉🙌🎉 Ireland is now number 1️⃣ in the world, and well deserved! What an example of hard work and dedication! We're so proud!🇮🇪💛💙 https://t.co/LXJ5V1gXWg
— Ukrainian Community in Ireland (@UkraineIreland) July 16, 2022
