Special Olympic medalist honoured in Ballinahown

Special Olympics athlete Paul Dalton, who was awarded a bronze medal in men's basketball in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens this summer, was honoured in his native Ballinahown on Saturday evening when members of the community made a presentation to him. A pupil at the Presentation Sisters School in Killina, Rahan, Co. Offaly, Paul has been a keen member of the Athlone Special Olympics Club for the past five years, but this was his first time to represent Ireland on the international sporting stage. He competed in the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games in Limerick, where he won a silver medal. In July he was part of a 124-strong team who represented Ireland at the Games and his friends in neighbours in Ballinahown were very proud of his achievement. Secretary of Ballinahown Development Group PJ Hoey said a committee in the village got together to organise last Saturday night's event in honour of Paul, which was held in the community centre and saw over 100 people turn out to congratulate Paul for his achievement. Paul arrived at the function on a pony and trap, driven by Seán Duffy, and there were pipers there to greet him. Fr Aidan Ryan presented him with a piece of bog oak and he also received a jersey and basketball from Rohan Agri Supplies. There was music and refreshments after the presentation. PJ Hoey said this week: "For him it was a wonderful achievement and for us it's a great honour to have him living in our midst." Mr Hoey acknowledged the input of all who helped to organise the event in honour of Paul and congratulated Paul on his success this year and wished him well in the future.