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The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, TD, and the Minister with responsibility for Sport, Mr. Brendan Griffin, TD, today congratulated the Irish team on their medal successes at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin.

Jason Smyth (T13 100m, T13 200m), Orla Barry (T57 discus), Greta Streimikyte (T13 1500m), Noelle Lenihan (F-38 discus) and Niamh McCarthy (F41 discus) all secured gold medals while Orla Comerford (T13 100m, T13 200m) and Jordan Lee (T47 high jump) both claimed bronze.

Minister Ross said:

I wish to congratulate the entire Irish team on their wonderful performances at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin last week. I would particularly like to congratulate Jason Smyth on once again completing the sprint double as well as Orla Barry, Greta Streimikyte, Noelle Lenihan and Niamh McCarthy on also winning gold and Orla Comerford and Jordan Lee on winning bronze. By your achievements, and the achievements of our swimmers at the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships in Dublin, you provide encouragement and inspiration to countless young athletes throughout Ireland who aspire to represent their country at the highest levels.

Minister Griffin added:

I would like to commend each member of the Irish team on their magnificent performances in Berlin. Nine medals is a fantastic achievement and the hard work, commitment and dedication that lie behind your success serves to inspire, to encourage and to give us all a sense of pride. The team have once again been wonderful ambassadors for Ireland and for Irish Sport. I would like to wish you all continued success in the future, and especially in your preparations for Tokyo in two years time.