PICS: Hopes high as Irish Paralympians set off for Rio
The bulk of Ireland’s Paralympic athletes have left for Rio today with more due to join them before the end of the month.
Ireland’s Olympic silver medalist Annalise Murphy was in attendance to wish our athletes well at the tournament.
No pressure! Irish Paralympic Team discus thrower Noelle Lenihan & #TeamIreland silver medalist Annalise Murphy pic.twitter.com/f5TDvi594s
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) August 25, 2016
The Paralympic games begin on September 7 with 46 Irish athletes competing across ten different sports.
Team Ireland won eight gold medals at the 2012 Games in London – its best return in 24 years.
Mary McGuire from Paralympics Ireland says they’re aiming for more success in Rio.
“Our target is eight; that would be a brilliant Games for us,” she said today. “We’ll be aiming to stay in the top 30 on the medal table which we achieved in London. We’re attempting to hold our place and that would be a really good Games for Ireland.”
Clubs, communities and organisations around the country have been wishing their athletes the best of luck as they prepare for the journey to Rio.
Best of luck to 3rd year student Aaron Tier who will take part in the 2016 @ParalympicsIRE @aztier pic.twitter.com/ARKmmAZ9wy
— Technological University of the Shannon: Midwest (@TUS_Midwest) August 24, 2016
(1/2) Great to have FIVE @nacdublin Swim Club athletes in Rio this summer, joining @Natalyacoyle & @ArthurLOK1 ... pic.twitter.com/VcsgiS1jpn
— Gary Stewart (@garystewart1986) August 23, 2016
Lovely Phibsborough street party for @austinoc_austin as he sets sail for @ParalympicsIRE #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/kBkLlSaWsr
— Ciarán Cuffe (@CiaranCuffe) August 23, 2016
