Sport

Special Olympics: Ireland medal haul rises to 15 on day three

Team Ireland&rsquo;s Kirsty Devlin celebrates during the Special Olympics presentation ceremony at the John Wooden Center, UCLA, California on Wednesday<br />Picture: Sportsfule
Team Ireland’s Kirsty Devlin celebrates during the Special Olympics presentation ceremony at the John Wooden Center, UCLA, California on Wednesday
Picture: Sportsfule
Team Ireland’s Kirsty Devlin celebrates during the Special Olympics presentation ceremony at the John Wooden Center, UCLA, California on Wednesday
Picture: Sportsfule
(Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE/SPORTSFILE)

TEAM IRELAND claimed their first gold medal at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles as Belfast gymnast Kirsty Devlin came out on top in the Rope competition in Gymnastics Rhythmic Level 1.

The 21-year-old, who trains in the city’s SALTO Gymnastics Club, had a memorable day of competition as she bagged four medals: two gold, two silver and a fourth place ribbon in various sections of the Gymnastics Rhythmic Level 1 competition.

Elizabeth Devlin, mother of Kirsty, couldn’t contain her emotions as she watched her daughter’s phenomenal performances.

"I'm absolutely so proud - the tears were in my eyes, watching Kirsty. She’s just amazing. The whole family is so proud of her," she said.

"There are four of us out here in LA supporting Kirsty - myself, my brother and his wife and my son. 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!"

When the 11-a-side footballers took on Bangladesh in their first group game, they have Team Ireland ambassador Robbie Keane in their corner. The Los Angeles Galaxy striker gave a pre-match pep talk although they couldn’t get the win they wanted, recording a 4-1 loss.

"The scoreline didn’t do the lads justice," said Keane. They are obviously disappointed but it’s important they pick themselves back up now."

Limerick City athlete Ashleigh O’Hagan, meanwhile, also experienced success in the Rhythmic Level 1 Gymnastics, bagging two bronze medals and three place ribbons.

Speaking after her win, O’Hagan said: "It's absolutely fantastic and a great achievement. I’m proud as punch."

Adding the gloss on a fantastic day for the Team Ireland gymnastics team, Aoife O’Sullivan from Cork City clinched one Gold and Two bronze medals, as well as two place ribbons.

Westmeath man Peter Malynn also won a gold medal in a tense final in the singles bocce competition. The sport, which is similar to bowls, is tense to watch although the Mullingar man held his nerve to win 9-7.

Lastly, the Team Ireland Bowling team came away with a bronze in the Doubles event after Martina Walsh and Ruth Geerah’s fantastic performance.

Team Ireland’s current medal tally at the end of day three is 15 medals: four gold, three silver and eight bronze.