Team Ireland gathered once again in the RDS for the Paralympics Ireland Paris 2024 Ball, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of all those involved in the success of the Paralympic Games this summer.
Over 250 guests including Minister of State at the Department of Sport Thomas Byrne, family, and friends attended on the night where several athletes were recognised for their individual performances and commitment to Team Ireland.
A total of eleven awards were presented on the night.
For the second time in a row, Katie George Dunlevy was crowned the Aer Lingus Outstanding Female Performance, this time alongside pilot Linda Kelly. The duo forged a formidable partnership over the last couple of years that culminated in two Paralympic medals on the road, gold in the Time Trial followed by silver in the Road Race. Dunlevy also won silver on the track with long-time pilot Eve McCrystal to solidify her place as one of Ireland’s greatest-ever Paralympians. The Aer Lingus Outstanding Male Performance was also awarded to a tandem bike, Martin Gordon and Eoin Mullen collecting the silverware after setting a new Irish record in the Men’s B 1000m Time Trial despite suffering a crash just days beforehand.
It was a Games to remember for Derry girl Dearbhaile Brady who was recognised on the night with the Nestlé Outstanding Games Debut award. The 17-year-old finished fifth in the final of the S6 women’s 50m butterfly final, setting a new personal best and was just 0.16 seconds off of the bronze medal. Also in the pool, Róisín Ní Riain was honoured once again, this time with the Allianz Young Paralympian of the Games. The two-time Paralympian brought home two medals, a silver in the 100m Backstroke and a bronze in the 200m Individual Medley.
The PTSB Team Spirit Awards were presented to recognise the athlete, and support team member, whose team spirit, personality and sense of fair play in the build up to, and during the Games, best exemplified the Team Ireland values of; Be Sound, Use Your Cop On, and Look Out For Each Other and these awards were voted by the athletes themselves as well as the Team behind the Team. The winner of the PTSB Athlete Team Spirit Award was Tiarnán O’Donnell while the Deputy Chef de Mission for Team Ireland, Richard Doyle, was celebrated with the Support Team Spirit Award.
The role of media was also celebrated on the night with RTÉ crowned winners of the Outstanding Media Contribution while Harry Murphy of Sportsfile captured the Best Photograph of Paris 2024.
Former Paralympics Ireland President Jimmy Gradwell received the highest honour a person connected with the Irish Paralympic Movement may achieve, the Irish Paralympic Order. Meanwhile journalist Cliona Foley was recognised for her years of service to Para sport in Ireland with the President’s Award.
The final act of the night saw four-time Paralympian Michael McKillop inducted into the Hall of Fame following an outstanding career which saw him win four Paralympic gold medals.
Speaking at the event Paralympics Ireland President, Eimear Breathnach said; “After the success of the Paris Games, I was delighted on behalf of the board to host the celebration of Team Ireland and recognise the fantastic performances of our athletes. It was particularly special to have our athletes’ family and friends who have supported our athletes on their journey there to celebrate in their success.
“Congratulations to all the award winners on the night, those who were recognised for their individual achievements and those who had their commitment to Paralympics Ireland duly recognised. The standard of award winners is indicative of the strength of Para sport in Ireland and a sign of a bright future for Team Ireland.
“I would also like to thank Minister Byrne for attending the event and particularly for his ongoing support and recognition of our athletes.”
Paralympics Ireland CEO, Stephen McNamara, added; “Being an athlete with a goal of getting to a Paralympic Games requires an unwavering commitment, sacrifices and a supportive family. Now that the work of Paris is done it was fantastic to bring this group back together to recognise and celebrate the achievement of everyone that made up Team Ireland.
“The class of Paris 24 have now graduated and while the work for LA 28 has already begun, it is fitting that the athletes and support staff get to kick off the spikes, remove the swim cap, put down the paddle, and park the bike to raise a glass to celebrate their achievements. Ireland will forever thank them for all they have done.”
Paralympics Ireland Paris 2024 Awards Winners
Irish Paralympic Sports Awards:
Aer Lingus Outstanding Male Performance – Martin Gordon & Eoin Mullen
Aer Lingus Outstanding Female Performance – Katie George Dunlevy & Linda Kelly
Nestlé Outstanding Games Debut Performance – Dearbhaile Brady
Allianz Young Paralympian of the Games – Róisín Ní Riain
PTSB Athlete Team Spirit Award – Tiarnán O’Donnell
PTSB Support Team Spirit Award – Richard Doyle
Irish Paralympic Media Awards:
Outstanding Media Contribution – RTÉ
Best Photograph of Paris 2024 – Harry Murphy, Sportsfile
Irish Paralympic Merit Awards:
Hall of Fame – Michael McKillop
Irish Paralympic Order – Jimmy Gradwell
President’s Award – Cliona Foley
