What a sporting weekend and week it has just been. John Joe Nevin, Katie Taylor and Rory McIlroy and let's not forget Shay Given.

Four sporting ambassadors for Ireland, four greats whose own dedication and commitment to personal sporting excellence has translated into community joy and excitement.

Each of these quartet of sporting heroes have rightly received plenty of acclaim over recent days.

Sport has always been central to the Irish view of ourselves. We bask in a reflected glory of our sporting achievers possibly more than most other countries.

For that reason, it is vital that we continue to produce top level sportspeople who help us feel good about ourselves as a nation.

At a time when the national morale is low, people like Taylor and McIlroy can help to provide us a view of a better future

And for that we are all grateful.