The joyous Twitter reaction to Waterford man Thomas Barr's European bronze medal

Waterford's Thomas Barr made history on Thursday as he became the first Irish man to win a medal in a sprint event at the European Championships when he claimed bronze in the 400m hurdles.

Olympian Barr started in lane 8 in Thursday's final and had the reigning world champion, Norway's Karsten Warholm for competition.

His mother described to David Gillick for RTE Sport how she felt she had "an outer body experience" as the race unfolded. You can see her reaction below.

Barr chased Warholm and Turkey's Yasmani Copello home to claim a bronze medal and social media absolutely loved it, including Irish President Michael D Higgins who took to the Twitter machine to pass on congratulations.

Here is a selection of some of the best reactions:

“My warmest congratulations to Thomas Barr on winning bronze in the 400m hurdles at the European Athletics Championships today; a historic first for an Irish athlete and inspiration for so many people in Ireland.”

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) August 9, 2018

Now that's what you call a big-time performer. Thomas Barr makes history, becoming the first ever Irishman to medal in a sprint event at the European Championships. 48.31 for third, his second fastest ever time. Stunning

— Cathal Dennehy (@Cathal_Dennehy) August 9, 2018

Thomas Barr’s joy at getting a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles is a thing of beauty.

— Jane Hill (@janehill64) August 10, 2018

Thomas Barr. A lesson in positivity, perseverance, belief and application. All sportspersons can learn from his great journey. @Bodengaa @AnalysisGaa https://t.co/Ihwo7ufedk

— Jerry Corcoran (@corcoran_jerry) August 10, 2018

My three year old watched the race with me. He then talked about Thomas Barr all evening. He put on his pjs ‘as fast as Thomas Barr’ and wondered ‘how fast does Thomas Barr brush his teeth?’ @TomBarr247

— Emma O'Doherty (@Emmapsod) August 10, 2018

Ladies and Gentleman
Behold the first ever Irish person to win an European Senior Championships medal in A Sprint event
84yrs it took and Thomas Barr finally broke the history https://t.co/YoqAL26VMM

— John Olumide (@Olumes58) August 9, 2018

The Déise deserved a bit of luck this year...except of course that there’s nothing lucky about @TomBarr247 ‘s medal: it’s all heart and guts and bloody hard work. Good man #ThomasBarr https://t.co/3EheyrXqqE

— Bernard Dunleavy (@DunleavyBernard) August 9, 2018

What an inspiring and battling performance by Thomas Barr here in Berlin tonight. A brave run from blocks to finish line by a Track Star with the common touch who always reaches out and appreciates his many fans. Well deserved success ..hard earned and delivered with style!

— Frank Greally (@FrankGreally1) August 9, 2018

Thank you thank you thank you everyone for all your messages! I can not believe this day has come true... it’s genuinely insane!! Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen and to everyone for their messages of support!! ☘️

— Thomas Barr (@TomBarr247) August 9, 2018