Dublin Airport has been a happy place over the past week with yesterday’s return of Irish athletes from the European Games coming hot on the heels of last week’s joyous return of the Special Olympics team.
Team ireland came back with 13 medals from Krakow, as well as Olympic Qualifications secured in Boxing and Rugby.
Sarah lavin won her medal in athletics and the Men’s Rugby Sevens were marquee Gold medallists but it was in the combat arena that we once again shone brightest.
Jack Wooley in TaeKwondo was joined by five kickboxing medals won by Nicola Bannon, Amy Wall, Conor McGinchey, Nathan Tait and Jodie Browne, and by five more in Boxing with Jack Marley, Michaela Walsh, Kellie Harrington, Aoife O’Rourke and Dean Clancy clutching their precious metal as they emerged into the arrivals hall.
Team Ireland has now qualified 37 athletes for next year’s Paris Olympic Games, with both of the Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens, as well as the equestrian teams all safe in the knowledge they will be on the plane.
Ireland has a greater depth of international standard competitors than ever before and we will be maintaining a close eye on qualification and the build up to the games over the next year.
