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Ministers Varadkar Ring have commended Irish Paralympian Darragh McDonald, on achieving a gold medal following a stunning victory in the Men’s 400m Freestyle Final at London’s Aquatic Centre this afternoon.

Speaking after the event Minister Varadkar said:

I applaud Darragh’s superb achievement this afternoon. In the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, he secured a silver medal with a highly impressive display in the 400m and he came to London this year determined not just to reach the podium, but to strive for gold medal glory.

Minister Ring added:

Darragh’s success is undoubtedly a huge source of pride for his community and the country as a whole. It’s a wonderful story that Darragh, who was inspired to swim competitively at his local Asgard Swimming club after reading an article about fellow teammate, Ellen Keane, is now passing on the flame of inspiration to other young people who will now be more motivated than ever to compete at this high level.

Minister Varadkar concluded:

It's been a wonderful 24 hours for Team Ireland with two gold Paralympic medals and some exciting events coming up later this evening. Darragh has achieved his dream and we are tremendously proud of him.