The High-Performance Director for Paralympics Ireland David Malone joined us on this morning’s show to recap on Irelands impressive performance at the World European Para Athletic Championships.
Listen to what he had to say here;
The World European Para Athletic Championships have been ongoing over the past week with the Allianz European swimming championship being held at the National Aquatic Centre. Elsewhere, the para athletics are being held in Berlin. Both of which Ireland have been very successful in which David is very happy with.
“Eight athletes represented Ireland across seven days of sport with one gold, one silver and one bronze.”
“Key to that is Ellen Keane winning her first European gold medal to finish off the championships.”
“Then we headed off to Berlin for the European Para Athletics Championship where to date we’ve won eight medals at that which is an incredible haul between swimming and athletics.”
With such good performances at this European championship will give such a boost to team Ireland as they look ahead to the World Championships in Dubai next year as well as the Paralympics in Tokyo in 2020.
“We expect a really tough challenge as we move forwards into the World Championships in athletics next year where ultimately the qualification really starts for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games.”
“I think all of our athletes have really risen to that tough challenge. Some of the key performances obviously Jason Smith winning two gold medals in the one hundred and two hundred metres on the track.”
“This brings it up to an incredible nineteen medals and undefeated in Paralympic sports which I think is an unmatched feat that ranks him among one of the greatest if not the greatest Irish athlete of all time.”
The other Para Athletics medallists include Noelle Lenihan with one gold medal, Orla Comerford and Orla Barry with one gold medal each. Greta Stremikyte with one gold and Jordan Lee with a Bronze medal.
Listen to the show in full here;
Also, on this morning’ show we were joined by Dublin ladies Mick Bohan, Sinead Goldrick and Nicole Owens following their All Ireland semi final win over Galway. Dublin selector Declan Darcy and Tyrone forward Niall Sludden ahead of their All Ireland final clash next week. Bohemians Keith Buckley and St.Pats Conan Byrne spoke following their FAI cup action this week.
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