Team Ireland’s Paralympians were met with enthusiastic cheers upon their return to Dublin Airport on Monday afternoon. The triumphant welcome was extended by families, friends, and admirers who came out to honour the six medals secured at the Paris Games.
Among the victors was Para cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy, who carried home three of the six medals. Her accolades are just beginning to settle in, she explained. Dunlevy bagged a silver medal alongside co-pilot Eve McCrystal in the B 3,000m individual pursuit and two additional medals, a silver and a gold, in the B road race and B individual time-trial, respectively, together with Linda Kelly.
She stated shortly after landing that it was highly fulfilling to see her hard work pay off. Dunlevy also expressed her delight in the cheery reception accorded to all members of Team Ireland’s Paralympians in the arrival hall of Terminal 2, acknowledging that Para athletes often lack such acknowledgement.
She attributed her success to her parents, John and Alana, thanking them for their unwavering support since her childhood. They were not only present for her Paris matches but were also awaiting her arrival at Dublin airport.
Moreover, sprinter Orla Comerford, the T13 100m bronze medallist, referred to the homecoming as a long-anticipated event.
“This unique moment is born from a deep love and a fervent passion for a sport, complememented by a supportive community,” she stated.
The medal that Comerford earned resulted from her third Paralympics participation, having been a part of the international event in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021, wherein she did not clinch the podium.
“I have experienced disappointment as an athlete, the one who returns home with a longing to avoid everyone and reach home quickly. Today, however, I am thrilled not to be in a hurry,” she expressed. “These moments are magnified in value for me.”
The athlete, who is 26 years old, continued, “Whilst I am aware that I’m not in the dawn of my career, I feel that I’m only just embarking on this journey and I look forward to all that is to come with great anticipation.”
Her father, Ger Comerford, conveyed his ecstasy over his daughter’s achievement in Paris. “I am filled with pride given her achievements, however, my pride is greater in the manner she achieved her success, reflecting her committment and the countless hours she devoted to her sport,” he expressed.
Róisín Ní Ríain, the swimmer who claimed two silver medals, explained that her celebration would be focused mainly on returning home, interacting with her family and friends, before eventually turning in for the night.
“I am exceedingly fatigued,” she admitted. “I am overjoyed with my performances in Paris, and although my races seem somewhat distant now, I’ve had an opportunity to ponder upon it and I am thoroughly pleased.”