Ballinahown's Mark Rohan bids for second gold

Ballinahown native Mark Rohan bids for his second gold medal at the London Paralympics this Friday morning. The 31-year-old competes in the Men's Individual Road Race from 10.30am at Brands Hatch venue, following on from his spectacular gold medal success on Wednesday in the Men's Individual H1 Time Trial Event. Mark's supporters can keep up-to date on his progress via the Irish Paralympics website at www.paralympics.ie/live or alternatively on a highlights package broadcast later on Friday on RTE 1, Channel 4 or BBC NI. Some live broadcasts are available on Setanta Sports in association with Allianz on UPC channel 105 and Sky 423. Away from the action, preparations are already well underway for a homecoming ceremony to welcome home Westmeath's Paralympians on Monday next in Athlone. Westmeath Local Authorities has released provisional details of the celebratory event to honour Mark Rohan and Mullingar's Damien Shaw in Athlone on Monday evening, starting with a parade through to the town to Athlone Civic Square, where entertainment will be provided prior to a formal homecoming ceremony. To facilitate this event, parking will be free in Athlone town on Monday from 4pm. The council has asked that the public arrive early to the Civic Square on the day as large crowds are expected to turnout to toast the two local heroes. The local authority has stressed that the full programme of events will be finalised and updated on www.westmeathcoco.ie following consultation with our Paralympians and they asked the public to note that details of event may change subject to the Paralympian's schedule.