Galway Born Athlete on Irish Paralympic team for World Championships

October 21st, 2:03pm October 21st, 2:03pm

Sport

The Irish Paralympic Team begin their competitions tomorrow at the IPC Paralympic Athletics World Championships which take place in Doha, Qatar. The team, which is sponsored by Allianz Ireland, comprises three male and six female athletes and features reigning double Paralympic champions Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop, in addition to London 2012 Paralympic medallist thrower Orla Barry. This trio are joined by three time Paralympian and wheelchair racer at 100m & 400m John McCarthy. Five more female field athletes complete the team; Deirdre Mongan, originally from Milltown Co Galway but now living in Down who debuted at the 2013 World Championships, alongside Noelle Lenihan, Niamh McCarthy, Lorraine Regan and Hayley Fitzsimons; all four competing in their first ever World Championships. Over 1400 athletes from 100 countries are set to compete in 214 medal events in Doha, which will be held in the 12,000 capacity Suhaim Bin Hamam stadium in the Qatar Sports Club. The Irish team flew out on Saturday last.

The Irish Team

Jason Smyth, from Eglington, Co. Derry
T13 Class Men’s 100m
Michael McKillop, from Glengormley, Co.Antrim
T37 800m & 1500m
John McCarthy, from Dunmanway, Co.Cork
T51 100m & 400m
Orla Barry, from Ladysbridge, Co. Cork
F57 Discus Throw
Deirdre Mongan, originally from Milltown, Co. Galway, living in Newcastle, Co. Down
F53 Shot Put
Lorraine Regan, from Kilcormac, Co. Offaly
F56 Javelin
Noelle Lenihan, from Charleville, Co. Cork
F38 Discus
Niamh McCarthy, from Carrigaline, Co. Cork
F41, Discus
Hayley Fitzsimons, from Portlaw, Co. Waterford
F40 Shot Put

Staff
James Nolan – Team Manager (Head of Paralympic Athletics; Paralympics Ireland)
Dave Sweeney – National Coach
Jon Faulkner – Physiotherapist
Michéal Bergin – Assistant Coach/Support Staff
James Lenihan – Support Staff