It was another memorable day for Team Ireland Paralympians yesterday as they were welcomed today to Áras an Uachtarán by President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina.
Over 70 members of the team and support staff that travelled to Pais for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were in attendance as part of the delegation led by Paralympics Ireland president Eimear Breathnach.
Irish athletes participated in 55 events, delivering six personal bests, five national records, one European record, and six medals, including one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.
Speaking at the reception for Team Ireland, President Higgins said, “The six medals our Paralympic athletes won at this year’s Paralympic Games are such significant achievements for which we can all be proud. Each record-setting medallist has brought enormous joy to all those watching across our island and beyond and has been a source of pride and encouragement. Indeed all those who achieved so much by qualifying and competing to such a high standard have made Irish people everywhere so immensely proud.”
“The Olympics and Paralympics represent the culmination of four years, indeed a lifetime, of hard work and dedicated training by our athletes, and I extend my admiration and deep appreciation to all those who have competed and given their all across so many sporting disciplines. In every aspect there has been real achievement.”
“The Paralympic games demonstrate how, with imagination and the necessary resources, real inclusion can be fostered across society through concerted efforts to promote inclusive participation from all citizens regardless of circumstance. Watching the games, it was impossible not to be inspired by the spectacle of athletes focusing on what was possible, with great courage and unwavering determination.”
“We are so proud that the team have received this honour from President Higgins and Mrs. Higgins.,” responded Eimear Breathnach, President of Paralympics Ireland.
“We know they kept a close eye on the team’s achievements throughout the Summer. It means so much to the members of Team Ireland that they were invited to this iconic location to be acknowledged by the President. On behalf of our team, I would like to thank the President and Mrs. Higgins for their hospitality.”
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