I don't know why my name is being dragged into this. It is without substance and those few stupid words in the paper have taken the gloss off everything Katie has achieved. – Katie Taylor's father and boxing coach, Peter, on a suggestion, attributed to an Olympic Council of Ireland spokesman, that he had objected to a homecoming ceremony last Monday for Ireland's Olympic athletes
We've spoken to Peter. We know he's upset. We've moved on and now we're looking forward to the celebration. – An OCI spokesman responds
There is something deeply uncivilised about an economy that continues to cut support and services for the most vulnerable, while paying billions to pay for the gross mistakes of public policy in the past. – Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay, announcing the decision by the children's charity to close for a week to save money
[The situation is] very clear. – Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni confirms that all of his senior players will continue to play for their country
After a lot of thought and consideration, I have made the most difficult decision to retire from international football. – One of those senior players, Shay Given, in a statement the following day
I was saying prayers that I'd get enough points so I wouldn't have to repeat. – Caoimhe Normile of Tarbert, Co Kerry, one of three students to get nine A1s this week in her Leaving Cert
The United Kingdom does not recognise the principle of diplomatic asylum. – Britain's foreign secretary William Hague on the stand-off with Ecuador over WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange