Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "2008–2009 Volvo Ocean Race" in English language version.
Addressing the crews before their departure, President Mary McAleese said their "extraordinary skill and resilience" had "inspired all of us". She paid tribute to the organisers, to the hundreds of volunteers and to the "people of Galway who took this ocean race to their hearts". The Chinese ambassador to Ireland Liu Biwei spoke of his enthusiasm for the Irish-Chinese twinning, and the fleet was blessed by Canon Maureen Ryan, Pastor Tim Cummings and Fr Dick Lyng. Commentator Daithí Ó Sé was anxious to correct any impression that the Galway populace had turned out specially for the nocturnal fleet arrival two weeks earlier. "That was just the crowd for first Sunday morning Mass," he quipped.
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