It hasn't been the best of Olympics for the country's athletes. It hasn't been the best of Olympics for the Olympics.
But throughout the events unfolding in Rio, one of the nation's pundits has managed to propel herself.
In what has been a disappointing competition all round, Joanne Cantwell has been a breath of fresh air on RTÉ, anchoring its Olympic coverage and navigating it through some stormy seas.
https://twitter.com/RTE2/status/765562004727795712
The sports journalist has fronted the punditry panel impeccably and the culmination is terrific television.
In what has been a particularly tumultuous boxing campaign for Ireland, Cantwell has steered the conversation in the direction everyone at home is crying out for.
It's the toughest job for a presenter, asking the hard questions, keeping in touch with the viewing audience and not allowing the analysts to take the talk elsewhere.
And the Dubliner hasn't backed down.
https://twitter.com/RTEsport/status/765196718044352512
Cantwell has proven to be well-researched, well-prepared and well-able for guests on the state broadcaster's Olympics show and any time you want someone called out, any time you want a question asked, she's there to do it. As a viewer, it's the most you can hope for.
How the experts choose to answer is down to them. All the host can do is ask the questions and, time and again, she has asked the right ones.
And it hasn't gone unnoticed.
https://twitter.com/garethpenrose/status/765929856811106304
https://twitter.com/Cunneen92/status/765603837747011584
She's had to deal with the Michael Conlan incident.
https://twitter.com/SportforBusines/status/765566333949972480
https://twitter.com/TomasORuanaidh/status/765565527679000576
https://twitter.com/conormeany/status/765556743539744768
She's had to deal with the Michael O'Reilly controversy.
https://twitter.com/EoinOCallaghan/status/765554208737226752
An Irish legend in Katie Taylor went under her watch as well. There were just no easy rides this summer.
https://twitter.com/KevinODono/status/765200191775469569
And it was always the same consistent performances, whatever the circumstance.
https://twitter.com/LukePField/status/765195589680238592
https://twitter.com/aoifemrtn/status/765195149496426496
She even had to deal with Neville Maxwell crying on her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpHbZ-_P-Dw
But she's gotten the credit she deserves.
https://twitter.com/RFerry92/status/765196512011976704
https://twitter.com/steveohrourke/status/765565174493409280
On the latest episode of the GAA Hour Hurling Show Wooly and the lads reflect on a monumental weekend of action. Listen below or subscribe here on iTunes.
