VIDEO: Golden moments for dressage stars as Irish shine at Special Olympics
The Team Ireland medal rush shows no signs of slowing at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Day Five saw a stunning 11 medals won across various sports. Irish athletes have now claimed a total of 33 medals in what is proving to be an immensely successful World Games.
Team Ireland Equestrian athletes continue to perform well. 37-year-old Elizabeth Mair from Rathfarnham, Dublin brought her personal tally to two gold’s after taking top spot in the dressage section of the competition.
There was also success for teammate John Deevy (38) from Kilmeadan, Waterford who matched his teammate by taking gold in the dressage.
At Long Beach, Irish kayakers enjoyed a great day with Nuala Browne (39) from Strabane, Co Armagh who took a silver medal in the 500M, while 54-year-old Rita Quirke from Rathangan, Co Kildare took a bronze medal in the same race. Teammate Nicola Higgins finished off a great outing on the water by coming in fifth.
Commenting on the race Rita said: “I’m proud and so happy. “It’s my first time winning. I’ll celebrate when I get back home.” Kayak coach chaperone Angelina Foley, from Rathmore, Co Kerry said: “It was really, really exciting. We were so nervous and now we’re so proud of all the kayakers. They’ve just tried their very best and put so much effort into it.”
Over at athletics in USC 21-year-old Timothy Morahan from Rathmines in Dublin claimed a bronze medal in the 800M while 36-year-old Lisa O’Brien from Charleville, Co. Cork secured two medals, a bronze in the 50M and a further bronze in the 25M. In bowling Ruth Geerah (35) from Mullingar, Co Westmeath clinched gold in the singles match.
There was also success for Co. Louth athlete Anne Hoey (51) from Drogheda who took gold in her singles match, while in badminton 17-year-old Liam Foley from Enfield, Co Meath took a bronze medal in the badminton singles.
Anne celebrating her silver medal with her Mammy (my nana) 🇮🇪🍀💚 @SOIreland #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/Iw8DN1GVBt
— Caroline (@c_a_l_s_) July 30, 2015
At the basketball match in USC the ladies basketball team produced a fine display to beat Ecuador 19-12, while the 11-a-side football team also recorded a victory putting two goals past Bharat.
Tying up what was a fantastic day for Team Ireland, athletes also recorded a number of personal bests with the total number recorded at 23 along with 11 placement ribbons. There were fantastic performances in the open water swimming event,
Team Ireland’s success at the Games has led to an outpouring of support across Ireland. Taoiseach Enda Kenny is the latest to add his voice to messages of goodwill. In a specially filmed video message, Mr Kenny said: “I want to send my best wishes to all the athletes, mentors and trainers at Team Ireland. I saw the clips from the Opening Ceremony; it was magnificent seeing all our proud athletes parade into the stadium. I saw you with Colin Farrell and Claudine Keane – neither will mind when I say that you were the real superstars on the night.
“To represent your country at Olympic level is a fantastic achievement; very few people get a chance to pull on an Irish shirt at Olympic Games – enjoy that moment. Your family and friends are very, very proud of you. We here at home are also very, very proud of you. You are representing your country with pride and distinction and we are all cheering you on. So, go on Team Ireland, do the job!”
The World Games run until August 2nd 2015. Team Ireland will compete in 12 different Olympic style sports. Their selection comes after four years of training and competition.
A 40-strong coaching and management team are supporting the athletes in Los Angeles, with 155 Team Ireland volunteers working at the Games. Over 300 family members have also made the trip.
Read next:
