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Team Ireland win 11 medals on day three of Special Olympics

Kirsty Devlin from Belfast and Limerick's Ashleigh O’Hagan pose with their medals.
Kirsty Devlin from Belfast and Limerick's Ashleigh O’Hagan pose with their medals. Kirsty Devlin from Belfast and Limerick's Ashleigh O’Hagan pose with their medals.

Team Ireland have brought their medal total up to 15 after securing four gold medals, two silver and five bronze on day three of the Special Olympics in LA.

Belfast’s Kirsty Devlin (21) was the first gold medal winner, for her performance in the Rope competition of the gymnastics. Kirsty, who trains with SALTO Gymnastics Club in Belfast, went on to take a further three medals, two silver and another gold, in other gymnastics events.

Kirsty’s mum, Elizabeth Devlin, was thrilled with her daughter’s efforts: “I’m absolutely so proud – the tears were in my eyes, watching Kirsty.”

“It means the world to Kirsty and to the whole family. She’s been training hard in the run up to the Games – with training sessions once a week down in Belvoir in Belfast and once a month in Dublin." 

"She also swims three times a week and cycles as well. All of the hard work has paid off. We’re looking forward to celebrating with her and all the family back in Belfast. 

“She’ll be a celebrity when she gets home – everyone will shake her hand and congratulate her. They all love her back in Belfast – everyone loves her!”

The rest of the Irish gymnastics team secured a further five medals. Ashleigh O’Hagan (21), from Limerick, won two bronze medals in the Rrhythmic gymnastics, while Cork’s Aoife O’Sullivan clinched one gold and two bronze medals.

Team Ireland also did well in the bocce and bowling. Mullingar’s Peter Malynn (57) won a gold medal in the singles bocce, while Ruth Geerah from Mullingar and Martina Walsh from Castlebar won bronze in the doubles bowling.

Robbie Keane was on hand to cheer on the 11-a-side football team as they took on Bangladesh in their first group game. Unfortunately after a tough game, the footballers recorded a 4-1 loss.

 “The scoreline didn’t do the lads justice, said Keane after the game.

“They are obviously disappointed but it’s important they pick themselves back up now.”

The World Games run until August 2nd 2015, with twelve athletes from Northern Ireland competing across 8 events, including 71 year old golfer Ursula McDonnell from Belfast.