Paralympians, their coaches and staff from Paralympics Ireland landed in Dublin on Aer Lingus flight EI 525 from Paris this afternoon and were given a warm welcome by family friends and plenty more who has come to mark their success.

Thirty-five athletes from Team Ireland competed over 10 days of competition in Paris across athletics, archery, cycling, equestrian, power-lifting, rowing, swimming, table tennis and triathlon winning 6 medals.

The Team Ireland medal winners on-board the Aer Lingus flight were Katie-George Dunlevy (gold and two silver), Linda Kelly (gold and silver), Róisín Ní Ríain (silver and bronze), Eve McCrystal (silver) and Orla Comerford (bronze).

They were joined by other team members who had filled a total of 23 Top Six placings against the best of the best on the World stage.

“I want to congratulate everyone who has been involved with Team Ireland, from the athletes to the coaches, the sporting bodies, Paralympics Ireland and Sport Ireland,” said Minister for Tourism, Culture, Srts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

“And of course the families, friends and supporters of the athletes who make such a vital and telling contribution.”

“The Paralympic Games are the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. These athletes have inspired the next generation of Paralympians and they are a credit to their families, coaches and communities.”

“The Government is investing heavily in sport. It is helping to ensure that our athletes can prepare for these prestigious international sporting competitions in the best possible way. We will continue to do so in the coming years, not just in the high performance system but also at grassroots community level.”

“I had the privilege of being in Paris during the last week to see at first hand our incredible athletes in action,” added Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne.

“It was fantastic to see the hugely vocal support they received in their competitions and everybody is enormously proud of our 35-strong team. They have all represented their country with distinction and have created some truly historic moments this past fortnight that will be remembered for a very long time.”

“The Government, for its part, is proud to have supported Team Ireland with record funding to support high performance sport.”

As the official airline of Paralympics Ireland, Aer Lingus is proud to have brought Team Ireland, thousands of supporters and #HomeAdvantage to Paris throughout the competition.

Aer Lingus has previously supported Team Ireland’s journey to Tokyo and since then, has transported Irish para-athletes to World and European Games across Europe in the lead up to qualification for Paris.

“We are so proud of Team Ireland and honoured to welcome each and every one of the team onboard on their triumphant journey home today, having done the country proud with their thrilling performances,” said Susanne Carberry, Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer.

“After such a long build up to the competition and their amazing efforts in Paris, I hope they take the time to enjoy what they’ve achieved and how much it has meant to the country. Everyone at Aer Lingus is proud to have supported the team and supporters in bringing #HomeAdvantage to Paris.”

“Aer Lingus has been involved in many iconic homecoming moments over the years, and from the welcome at the gate to the congratulations on the aircraft, they make everyone feel like family,” added Stephen McNamara, CEO of Paralympics Ireland.

“Paris has been a phenomenal experience that all of our athletes can be proud of, and the support of the Irish fans both at home and abroad is something we will never forget. As we return to Ireland, from the moment we board, we’re home.”

“It was wonderful to see the culmination of so much work and preparation for the athletes and their support teams pay off,” said Sport Ireland Chair John Foley who was at the Airport this afternoon to welcome home the athletes.

 

 

 

 

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