Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop landed back to back Gold medals at the Paralympic Games in Rio on Friday and Sunday respectively. Eoghan Clifford also took bronze in the velodrome.
“This one is special because I’ve come through a really tough time,” said McKillop.
“I’m just glad that I was able to go out and win because of the tough times. I had to stay focussed and realise what life is about, it’s not just about winning gold medals, it’s about living and being proud to live the life that I have, and I’m lucky!”
Greta Streimikyte finished fourth in her 1500 metre final setting a new Irish record while Orla Comerford also made yesterday’s 100 metre final.
Nicole Turner came fifth in her first final at the age of 14 and there were other top ten finishes for Catherine Walsh and Fran Meehan in the Triathlon; Katie George Dunlevy and Eve McCrysta and Damien Vereker and Sean Hahessy in cycling.
Away from Competition if you get a chance to watch The Last Leg on Channel 4 any night this week you should take it. The irreverent mix of humour and emotion around the Games is as great a way as any to take down the stigma of disability and get to know more about the games and the astonishing achievements of the competitors.
It will also make your face ache from laughing.
For the coverage of the games RTÉ have performed well with Joanne Cantwell and Darien Mulvihill in Montrose and Evanne ní Chuillin in Rio giving great coverage of the Irish performances in prime time each night.
Both Channel 4’s and RTÉ’s coverage of the Paralympics has been supported by Allianz.
