Swords star Catherine is all set for Rio

PARA-TRIATHLETE Catherine Walsh, from Swords, and her pilot, Fran Meehan, have been confirmed for the Irish team taking part in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio this year.

The duo will compete in the PT5 event in Para-triathlon. They will be Ireland’s first ever para-triathletes to attend a Paralympic Games as the sport makes its debut in Rio in September.

Speaking following the announcement, Walsh, who will be representing Ireland for the seventh time at a Paralympic Games, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to represent Ireland once more at a Paralympic Games. 

“It is fantastic to see that in the first year of Para Triathlon at the games, there will be Irish triathletes representing their country at Rio.

“We have been working hard all year to get a qualification slot for Rio.  To be told that our hard work has now paid off and that I will be representing my country again for the seventh time at a Paralympic Games is fantastic.”

Walsh added: “I look forward to becoming part of a great team of 44 other Paralympic athletes – it’s a fantastic feeling.”

Ireland will have a team of 46 athletes at this year’s games, with the squad boosted by two after last week’s news which follows on from the recent Team Ireland announcement at City Hall. 

Chef de Mission for the Irish Team, Denis Toomey, said: “We are delighted to welcome triathlon onto Team Ireland for the 2016 Games. 

“Ireland will now be represented by 46 athletes across 10 different sports, and as Chef de Mission, I certainly look forward to leading them all to Rio for the games.”  Team leader and technical director for the Para-Triathlon team, Eamonn Tilley, said success comes with hard work, dedication, passion and team work.  “Catherine and Fran have achieved so much in a short space of time,” said Mr Tilley. 

“We at Triathlon Ireland are delighted with the news and it was always our aim to get a Para-triathlete to Rio. 

“I am very happy to be involved with such a strong team and I relish the opportunity to work with all of my fellow colleagues and team leaders in the weeks and months leading up to the Paralympic Games.”

The first wave of athletes will depart for Brazil on August 23, and will use the Irish Holding Camp in Uberlandia, Brazil to prepare for the Games, which has been set up with the generous support of Sport Ireland.

Walsh has competed in a range of events spanning two decades – her first Paralympics was in 1992. 

She is one of Ireland’s few world champions, having won the 3km tandem bike pursuit gold in Los Angeles. She has overcome her severe visual impairment to be one of the nation’s most prolific athletes.  

Walsh’s exploits at the Paralympic Games in London in 2012 were recognised in her home town when she received a Civic Honour from Fingal County Council. 

The award was in recognition of her achievements where she won silver and bronze medals.