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World champion hand-cyclist Mark Rohan became a double gold Paralympic medallist at Brands Hatch, London this morning.  Mark triumphed in the individual Road Race H1 cementing his place as World Champion and Paralympic champion. Mark also won gold on Wednesday this week when he won the Paralympic Road Cycling Time Trial event.

At the Olympic stadium, world discus champion Catherine O’Neill added another medal to her collection with a silver medal win in the Discus Throw F51/52/53 event.  This is Catherine’s third Paralympics and she also participated in the club throw event at this Games.

Speaking this afternoon, Minister Varadkar said: “Mark spoke today about the hard work and preparation involved over the last months to get to this standard. His second gold medal from this Paralympics is a well-deserved reward and I hope he will always remember this special moment in his sporting career.” 

Minister Varadkar continued: “I would also like to congratulate Catherine O’Neill on her Paralympic silver medal. Catherine is one of Team Ireland’s most experienced field-athletes and her silver medal is a great success.”

Minister Ring said: “Mark’s second gold medal is a phenomenal achievement, but richly deserved.  It’s hard to believe he only took up hand-cycling in 2009 but it is clear that he is an immensely talented athlete. He paid tribute today to his dedicated supporters and I am sure everyone in Ballinahown will join me in congratulating him on his win.”

Minister Ring concluded: “Catherine O’Neill’s athletic achievements speak for themselves but I know this Paralympic silver medal is very special.  She has worked tirelessly to promote involvement in disability sport and as such, she is a wonderful example of the benefits that involvement in sport can bring to anyone.  Not only is she a wonderful ambassador for her own disciplines, she is now a proud Paralympic medallist and I warmly congratulate her on her achievement today.”