merrion street

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD, today congratulate Ireland’s Paralympic team as they returned from the Rio Games. Team Ireland achieved a remarkable total of 11 medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Minister Ross said, “What a Paralympics! Every day of the Games brought more excitement and success, and it was a thrill to watch each victory achieved, whether that victory was a medal, a personal best or qualification for a final. All the athletes who participated in the Games showed incredible strength and determination, and this drive to win was demonstrated in our magnificent achievement of 4 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals at the Games. It was wonderful to watch both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and see the Irish flag-bearers John Twomey and Nicole Turner performing this duty with such pride and expertise. They are truly an inspiration to athletes not just in Ireland but worldwide. I hope that all the athletes enjoy celebrating their hard won and well deserved successes with their family, friends and fans over the coming weeks, and we look forward to seeing many compete again Tokyo in four years’ time.”

Minister O’Donovan said. “The Paralympic Games are always a source of such inspiration, and the Rio Games has been no different. All of our athletes, who have each overcome enormous challenges in their lives, have shown remarkable courage and resolve throughout the Paralympics. I had the privilege of watching the fastest Paralympian in history, Jason Smyth, leave the competition in his wake once again in the 100m, and presenting him with his much-deserved gold medal. Our other medallists - Eoghan, Michael, Katie-George, Eve, Colin, Ellen, Orla, Niamh and Noelle - have been fantastic ambassadors for Ireland and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate them all on their wonderful achievements for Team Ireland. I also want to particularly praise Nicole Turner, who for such a young age performed with such maturity and determination in reaching five finals, and I was delighted to see her carrying the flag at the closing ceremony and I wish her all the success in the future. I am proud to have attended the Games to support our amazing and inspiring athletes, and I wish them all the best as they enjoy their homecoming.”

Notes to the Editor
The Team arrive home with 11 medals - 4 gold medals, 4 silver medals and 3 bronze medals. They were won in the following events:

Gold
Athletics: Jason Smyth - Men’s 100m T13
Athletics: Michael McKillop - Men’s 1500m T37
Cycling: Eoghan Clifford - Men’s time trial C3
Cycling: Katie-George Dunlevy & Eve McCrystal - Women’s 1km time trial B

Silver
Athletics: Orla Barry - Women’s discus F57
Athletics: Niamh McCarthy - Women’s discus F41
Cycling: Colin Lynch - Men’s time trial C2
Cycling: Katie-George Dunlevy & Eve McCrystal - Women’s road race B

Bronze
Athletics: Noelle Lenihan - Women’s Discus F38
Cycling: Eoghan Clifford - Men’s Individual pursuit C3
Swimming: Ellen Keane - Women’s 100m breaststroke SB8