Saturday 24 October 2015

Ní Chuilín congratulates McKillop and Smyth on world gold medals

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop on winning gold medals at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha.

Jason won the T13 100m title while Michael was victorious in the T38 800m event.

Congratulating the athletes the Minister said: “Once again Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop are world beaters. It is testament to their continued hunger for success, combined with dedication and hard work, that they have become so dominant in their events.

“Jason has successfully defended this title, having won it in Lyon in 2013, and it further bolsters his status as the fastest paralympian in the world after his 100m and 200m success in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Paralympic Games.

“Michael has now defended the 800m world title twice, having also won in Lyon and in Christchurch in 2011. He will run in the 1500m final this Friday as he bids to defend that title as well.

“Once again we are talking about local athletes at the very pinnacle of their sports. I congratulate Jason and Michael wholeheartedly and pay tribute to their coaches, friend and families who support them throughout the year.”

The Minister also commended Niamh McCarthy of Cork on securing Team Ireland’s first medal of the Championships, a bronze in F41 discus, yesterday.

The Minister added: “Niamh McCarthy opened Ireland’s medal account at the Championships with bronze in her discus event, a fantastic debut for her at World Championship level.

“I commend Paralympics Ireland for the work they do in developing athletes from right across the island. They are an inspiration to people of all abilities. Hopefully we can see the Ireland team add to the medal tally before these Championships are over.

“We can also look forward to the Paralympic Games in Rio next year with excitement and genuine medal hopes.”


Notes to editors
1.    More information on the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships is available at http://www.paralympic.org/doha-2015
2.    Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office by telephoning 028 9051 5047 or email DCAL Communications communications@dcalni.gov.uk. For out of office hours queries please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.




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