Paralympic success
Ireland’s incredibly successful track and field team returned from the IPC Paralympic Athletics World Championships in Doha last week with seven medals including three gold, one silver and three bronze. In addition they boast one new world record, two lifetime best and three season’s best performances between the nine strong team.
Two-time Olympian James Nolan was honoured to lead the most successful team ever as Head of Paralympic Athletics.
"It was a fabulous team performance by both athletes and support staff," said Nolan. "We had a performance target going into this championships and athletes performed superbly to surpass this target. Those who finished on the podium have a extremely high chance of qualifying for Rio and after a short 3 week break can start there preparation to peak at Rio 2016.
"It was an honour to lead and support this high performance team." The team also included Athletics Ireland National Throws Coordinator Dave Sweeney. Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop led the charge of the successful team with full results below.
Irish Results Overall
Jason Smyth, from Eglington, Co. Derry
T12 100m; GOLD in SB 10.62sec
Michael McKillop, from Glengormley, Co.Antrim
T37 800m; GOLD in SB 2:01.31 & 1500m; GOLD in 4:16.19
John McCarthy, from Dunmanway, Co.Cork
T51 100m; 8th overall in 25.40sec & 400m; 6th overall in 1:35.39
Orla Barry, from Ladysbridge, Co. Cork
F57 Discus Throw; BRONZE in SB of 29.82m
Deirdre Mongan, originally from Milltown, Co. Galway, living in Newcastle, Co. Down
F53 Shot Put; BRONZE with 4.02m
Lorraine Regan, from Kilcormac, Co. Offaly
F56 Javelin; ninth overall with 14.47m
Noelle Lenihan, from Charleville, Co. Cork
F38 Discus; SILVER with new F38 WR & PB of 31.64m
Niamh McCarthy, from Carrigaline, Co. Cork
F41, Discus; BRONZE with 23.66m
Hayley Fitzsimons, from Portlaw, Co. Waterford
F40 Shot Put; fifth overall with PB of 5.20m
