If hard evidence was needed of Ireland's great sporting tradition then it is now on exhibit at Ger Hartmann's new sports injury clinic at the University of Limerick.
Opened yesterday evening by Ireland's 1956 Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delany, the clinic houses a priceless collection of sporting prizes and artefacts to complement the state-of-the-art treatment facilities.
The majority of items were lent or given to Hartmann as thanks for his services over the past 17 years - and the centrepiece is arguably the beautiful silver medal Sonia O'Sullivan won over 5,000 metres at the Sydney Olympics, along with her spikes and tracksuit.
Next to that are the spikes and running vest worn by Eamonn Coghlan in his world indoor mile record of 3:49.78 back in 1983.
There are also the two World Indoor gold medals won by Limerick native Frank O'Mara over 3,000 metres, in 1987 and 1991, and the spikes worn by Derval O'Rourke during her European 100 metre hurdles silver medal run last summer.
The centrepiece display also contains All-Ireland winning jerseys and boots from Cork's Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Kerry's Séamus Moynihan, both of whom were present for the unveiling.
Standing out in one corner is the distinctive Tour de France green jersey - one of four won by Irish cycling legend Seán Kelly.
Most sports are represented, including the race number worn by Kieran Fallon on Dylan Thomas in winning the Irish Derby and the winning bridle of horse George Washington, presented by trainer Aidan O'Brien.
The collection, however, goes well beyond Irish success, and also includes the race number and shoes Paula Radcliffe wore when setting the world marathon record, one of Lance Armstrong's yellow jerseys won in the Tour de France - signed to Hartmann, naturally - and the 1984 Olympic blazer worn by Carl Lewis.
Both O'Sullivan and Coghlan were also there to wish Hartmann well in his new venture, which sees him move from a family-owned premises on Patrick Street in the city centre into the University's sports arena.
Hartmann felt he needed to expand in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London.