It was a special moment to be at the opening ceremony of the Para Swimming Allianz European Championships last night.

There was the parade of national flags, a stunning performance from the Allianz Arís Choir, an Irish athlete Patrick Flanagan from Longford holding the Paralympic Flag and reciting the Athlete’s Oath, three Irish swimmers on the first night of Finals and then four World Records just to cap things off.

All of those are a rarity on Irish soil if not in some cases a first in a lifetime.

The decision to bid for these Championships dates back to the genesis of Ireland’s Paralympic success, in the public eye at least, with the performance of our athletes at London 2012.

We had never staged a major Para Championships and in a world of mega-event hosting could we even have the temerity to put ourselves forward? The answer was a resounding yes and the bid document was prepared, the partners brought together and the dream took flight.

Many of those who played their part in the win were there last night from Liam Harbison, the former CEO of Paralympics Ireland who oversaw the early stages, to his successor Miriam Malone who brought it home in that role and as Chair of the Local Organising Committee. Jimmy Gradwell and John Fulham, Chairs of Paralympics Ireland through the journey as well as the host of volunteers from across the sporting spectrum that were there to do what was asked of them.

Michael McKillop was there, one of the athletes in 2012 and 2016 who showed that our small nation status should be no barrier to World success.

Damien O’Neill, the Head of Marketing at Allianz Ireland, who have been steadfast supporters of Paralympics Ireland and the power behind many of their most ambitious moves, was an emotional observer alongside CEO Sean McGrath.

When sponsorship works as well for the business and as well for the partner organisation it is a powerful force for good and this week is the latest example of how that can look.

The funding partners who have played a critical role in bringing the Championships to Dublin and to life were all name checked by Ministers Shane Ross and Brendan Griffin in declaring the Championships Open.

Read our interview with Team Manager Hayley Burke on how the team has prepared

Sport Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Swim Ireland and Paralympics Ireland have each played their part in making every decision possible, every choice the right one at the time and every moment of competition spring to life.

Paralympic sport is different. When host Grainne McElwain invited those who could to stand for the National Anthem it was a phrase you don’t here at an able-bodied sports event. The struggles we all go through in life are not lessened but they can be placed in perspective when you see the physical challenges that the swimmers have overcome to be there, to represent their country and their families.

For them to do so in Irish water, at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, is something that might have been scoffed at and dismissed 20 years ago.

The efforts of all those who made it possible should be recognised. If you have not considered heading out for one of the sessions you should do so, there are tickets available.

If you get a chance to see the four world records set last night; if you get a chance to witness the joy of Chantalle Zijderveld of the Netherlands as she emerged from the pool after setting one of them, it will be a moment that stays with you and that shows the possibility in life.

What more could you ask of a sporting event?

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