Northside well represented at Paralympics

THE Northside was well represented last week at the opening of the 2012 Paralympics in London.

Des Walsh, a Glasnevin native who works in Coolock, carried the Paralympic Torch on its journey through Aylesbury (London) on August 28.

Mr Walsh, nominated for the prestigious job by his fellow workers at Kraft Foods, said that being given the chance to run with the torch was a lifetime ambition.

His co-workers fittingly praised him as an exemplary colleague who has always demonstrated his personal best and as someone who often goes the extra mile to help others.

Tricolour

Next up was Artane Paracyclist Cathal Miller who proudly carried the tricolour to lead the Irish team into the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the games, which took place the following night August 29.

The amputee, who works as a civil servant, competes in both able-bodied and paracycling events.

The 43-year-old was given the honour of flag bearer after a vote was conducted among the Irish athletes. This is Cathal’s second time to represent Ireland in the Paralympics.

Mr Miller said it was a

“huge honour

? for him, his family and his supporters to carry the Irish flag.

“To be chosen by my fellow athletes makes it all the more special as there is a phenomenal amount of talent and experience in this Irish team,

? he stated.

Paralympics Ireland chief executive and Chef de Mission for the Irish team, Liam Harbison, congratulated Cathal on his selection as the official flag bearer for the Irish team.

“I am delighted for Cathal on his selection as the official flag bearer for the Irish team,

? said Mr Harbison.

The games got off to a good start for the Irish when Clontarf amputee Ellen Keane made it through the heats with a personal best time to win her place on the starting blocks for the 100-metre butterfly final.

Creditable

In the final, the 17-year-old finished seventh, a creditable result in an event which she wouldn’t class as her best hope in the games.

Ellen’s main focus for the games is the 100-metre breaststroke and she will also compete in the 100-metre medley this week.

Dublin North Central TD Aodhán O’Riordáin (Lab) was among those who congratulated the teenager.

“Ellen Keane’s inclusion in the women’s 100m butterfly final was a huge achievement,

? he stated.

“Through her dedication and incredible skill, Ellen has done the people of Clontarf proud.

?