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Team Ireland's Medal Typhoon Continues in Shanghai

As competition at the Special Olympics World Games gets intense, the change in weather from humid to wet favoured TEAM Ireland athletes who are more than familiar with damp weather! Irish athletes have collected six medals, four gold, three bronze and three personal bests today, bringing the total medal count to thirty-one for Ireland.

The highlight of the competition for TEAM Ireland so far is gymnast Una Mc Garry (Salto Special Olympics Club, Belfast) who scooped 4 medals and a ribbon. The crowds at Shanghai International Gymnastics Centre including an impressive Irish contingent were transfixed as the young gymnast went on to win Gold in gymnastics ball, bronze in rope and ribbon, fourth place in the hoop. The Ulster athlete went on to be awarded all round Gold winner in rhythmic gymnastics.

In Athletics preliminary qualifiers, athletes from the north-west of the country secured three personal bests today. Emma Jamison from Enniskillen achieved 33.42sec in 100m walk and second place in the heats. In the 800m walk, athletes Marian Gallagher (Cloghan, Donegal) and Tony Lynagh (Sligo) also crossed the line in their fastest time to date.

Kildare continues to be Ireland’s equestrian hub, athlete Stephen Roche (Athy) won Gold today in dressage. Stephen beat stiff competition from European competitors, Jessica Rutten (Belgium) coming in 2nd and Austrian, Kurt Schuetz winning Bronze today.

The action continued in the arena when the Netherlands seized Gold from Silver winner Kieran Buckley (Kanturk, Co. Cork), beating a very strong competitor from Russia who claimed Bronze. Sarah Kate Jordan (Carlow) continues to feature in the top three, winning silver yesterday and bronze today also in dressage.

Back in Shanghai Gaodian Bowling Hall, Irish duo, Ronnie Harris from Artane and Corkman Duirmuid Coughlan from Whitechurch secured Gold in bowling doubles, while ladies doubles faired well finishing fourth in their doubles final this afternoon.

Out on the soccer pitch in heavy rain, Ireland’s football teams had mixed performances today, both the men’s and ladies 5 a side teams were narrowly defeated. Victory in 11 a side men’s football against Australia (6-0), raised aspirations of a possible medal in the finals on Wednesday. There is high hope in the Irish camp for TEAM Ireland golfers also, making the golf competition over the next two days one to watch.

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