Paralympic hero among athletes awarded financial support
DOUBLE Paralympic gold medallist Mark Rohan, from Ballinahown, is among a list of 25 athletes to this week receive direct financial support under the Irish Sports Council’s International Carding scheme.
Following the success of the Irish team at the London Paralympic Games, when they secured 16 medals, the Minister for Tourism & Sport, Mr Michael Ring TD, has announced an investment of €910,000 to Paralympics Ireland for 2013, marking a significant stepping-stone for the Paralympic movement in Ireland on the road to Rio 2016.
The announcement was part of a package of support to Irish High Performance sport of €8.6 million, which also included direct financial support to 25 Paralympic athletes totalling €604,000.
Welcoming the investment for 2013, Liam Harbison, CEO of Paralympics Ireland said: “The response of the Government and the Irish Sports Council to the great success of London 2012 with this investment package is very significant for Paralympics Ireland, and sets us on a sound path to further sustained progress on the road to Rio 2016. I’d like to thank the Department and the ISC for responding to our request for improved resource to allow us to sustain the huge progress made in securing 16 medals in London and ensuring we remain ‘fit for purpose’ as an organisation to deliver top class services to Paralympic athletes.”
Commenting on the investment in the performance programme, Nancy Chillingworth, Paralympic Performance Director, said: “The four-year performance plan for Rio can now be implemented in full with increased support to sports, sport science and medical provision and improved levels of professional technical expertise to assist athletes. The plan sets us on a path to sustained success at Rio 2016 commencing with major Championships in each sport over the coming six months with athletes already targeting qualification slots for the Games. Continued investment growth throughout the next four years is essential for Paralympic sport to continue the huge strides made in London.”
Preparations for Rio 2016 have begun in earnest with the first inspection visit completed this month, while Paralympics Ireland are due to publish the London 2012 Debrief Report in the coming week.
Athletes in receipt of Carding Support in 2013
Athletics
Orla Barry (Podium, €40,000), Michael McKillop (Podium, €40,000), Jason Smyth (Podium, €40,000), Catherine O’Neill (Podium, €40,000), Heather Jameson (International, €12,000), Ailish Dunne (International, €12,000).
Boccia
Roberta Connolly (International, €12,000), Padraic Moran (International, €12,000),
Cycling
James Brown (Podium, €40,000), Colin Lynch (Podium, €40,000), Mark Rohan (Podium, €40,000), Catherine Walsh (Podium, €40,000), Andrew Fitzgerald (World Class, €20,000), Katie George Dunlevy (World Class, €20,000), Enda Smyth (World Class, €20,000).
Sailing
Ian Costelloe (International, €12,000), John Twomey (International, €12,000).
Swimming
Darragh McDonald (Podium, €40,000), Bethany Firth (Podium, €40,000), Ellen Keane (International, €12,000), Jonathan McGrath (International, €12,000), Laurence McGivern (International, €12,000), James Scully (International, €12,000).
Table Tennis
Philip Quinlan (International, €12,000), Rena McCarron Rooney (International, €12,000).