His notifications are off the bloody hook.
But Team Ireland’s finest have important business to attend to.
Rio will be introduced to the #fullevans tonight @TomBarr247 @gary_o_donovan pic.twitter.com/HZdc9BHk0L
— Scott Evans (@Scott_Evans1) August 18, 2016
The Waterford man who rocked the world and came within an inch of his nose to winning an unprecedented medal at Rio 2016 has earned all the plaudits and he has every right to them.
At any other Olympics, he probably would’ve stood on the podium with a time like that in a 400m hurdle final – the stats prove it. But the 24-year-old wasn’t about to let it get him down.
Maybe a medal was a step too far in my first Olympics, after the prep I've had! What is amazing to me is response I've gotten #thankyouevry1
— Thomas Barr (@TomBarr247) August 18, 2016
And, in a show of real Irishness, he decided to celebrate what was a stunning campaign and, no doubt, four years (a lifetime) of blood, sweat and guts to get there and rub shoulders with the fastest hurdlers on the planet.
I'd love to reply to everyone individually but that would eat into valuable 'celebrating' time 🍻🍻. Cheers lads #imstillirishafterall
— Thomas Barr (@TomBarr247) August 18, 2016
After the O’Donovan brothers stole the nation’s hearts and the brilliant Annalise Murphy won silver as well, it was left to Barr to step up and claim his own glory.
He’s not the only success story you know, Joanne.
RTÉ's Joanne Cantwell has been one of Ireland's biggest success stories during this Olympics https://t.co/IY1tWVrdPd
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 18, 2016
Rightly so though, he has become one of Ireland’s most beloved sons after a race that had the country roaring out of them in unison trying to blow him over the line.
The island came to a standstill.
https://twitter.com/hogiebear2014/status/766520059405545472
He became a record-breaker.
@TomBarr247 well done on the new record .. and enjoy the celebrations 😃 !!
— DairinaAnne Thompson (@Dairinaa) August 19, 2016
He became the man of the people.
Great photo of Thomas Barr meeting fans from #Irl at #Rio2016 after his record breaking 400m hurdles final pic.twitter.com/U6bHIQvdRp
— Denise Callan (@DeniseCallan1) August 18, 2016
Everyone just wanted to make sure he was drinking now though.
Congratulations on everything!!! Have a pint for me! Or we fans, you know, however you'd like to take it!
— Mika (she/her) (@CylonN6) August 19, 2016
Go drink 🍺🍻🍺 https://t.co/UHtwODFggw
— Rob Cullen (@robcullen79) August 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/Cogzey/status/766392883960221696
Others have booked him in for pints after booking him in for prime time slots.
when u get ack to #Dublin (after late late) im bringing you for a pint! #wellearned #onme #chalkitdown #saywhen
— David McDermott (@davidmartinj) August 19, 2016
Drink or no drink, medal or no medal, Thomas Barr has become a hero.
@TomBarr247 you absolute hero! I know the feeling of finishing 4th but I also know what a motivation it is! #TeamIreland #nationalrecord
— Annalise Murphy (@Annalise_Murphy) August 18, 2016
You made us all very proud. #hero
— LUCINDA O’SULLIVAN (@LucindasIreland) August 18, 2016
well deserved drinks too. Some hero's don't need medals! #NationalTreasure 👌
— Sarah (@smceneaneyirl) August 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/KeithHogg1986/status/766337790099480576
Bring on Tokyo.
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