Northern Ireland

Eleven more medals for Ireland’s Special Olympians

Nuala Browne (left) celebrates after winning a silver medal in the 500m kayak race with Nicola Higgins, who finished fifth and Rita Quirke, who won the bronze medal
Nuala Browne (left) celebrates after winning a silver medal in the 500m kayak race with Nicola Higgins, who finished fifth and Rita Quirke, who won the bronze medal Nuala Browne (left) celebrates after winning a silver medal in the 500m kayak race with Nicola Higgins, who finished fifth and Rita Quirke, who won the bronze medal (Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE)
By Cathal McGuigan

TEAM Ireland’s medal count has risen to 33 after another great day for the athletes in Los Angeles.

The first of 11 medals in day five was won by Carole Catling (37), from Newtownabbey, who claimed the gold medal in the table tennis singles.

Team Ireland’s kayakers also performed well with Kildare’s Rita Quirk (54) winning a bronze medal in the 500m, while Nuala Browne (39) from Strabane took the silver in the same race.

Commenting after her win, Nuala Browne said, “I’ve got a silver medal to bring back home to Strabane. It feels great!

“I feel proud and happy and I’m looking forward to taking the medal home with me. Everyone will be so proud of me for taking part in the World Games.”

The equestrian athletes continued to do well after winning four medals on day four. Both Elizabeth Mair (37) from Rathfarnham and John Deevy (38) from Waterford brought home gold medals for the dressage section of the competition.

Over at the athletics, Timothy Morahan (21) from Rathmines in Dublin, claimed a bronze medal in the 800m while Cork’s Lisa O’Brien secured two bronze medals in the 50m and a further bronze in the 25m.

In bowling, Ruth Geerah (35) from Mullingar, clinched gold in the singles match. There was also success for Anne Hoey (51) from Drogheda who took gold in her singles match. Meanwhile, in badminton Liam Foley (17) from Co Meath won a bronze medal in the Badminton Singles.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny was the latest to voice his support for Team Ireland. In a video message to the athletes, Mr Kenny said,

“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!”