As we sprint towards the last day of competition which is sadly today, Team Ireland managed to sneak in a hard fought silver medal for Katie-George and pilot Linda Kelly in the Women’s B Road Race. The duo were just agonisingly three seconds behind the British team who took gold.
Speaking afterwards Katie said: “I wanted to win the gold so I’m a bit disappointed, but a silver medal is amazing. It was a tough race, we were up the road with one of the GB bikes and they refused to do the work, so we were just at the front attacking on each hill trying to get away and we just couldn’t get away from them. They are sprinters. I think we had nothing left at that stage after giving so much in the hills.”
Pilot Linda Kelly reflected on the tough battle throughout the 99.4km course, “It’s a silver medal, very, very happy. We knew they were behind us and we were like, we were pushing, but then we had to ease off as well because we wanted to conserve our energy. We did get in front of them down the technical zone, they were just glued to the back of our wheel. But I’m absolutely over the moon. As I said the other day, it’s just like a dream. I’m absolutely delighted.”
6 September 2024; Katie-George Dunlevy and pilot Linda Kelly of Ireland, centre, with friends and family after winning silver in the women’s B road race on day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at Clichy-sous-bois in Paris, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
6 September 2024; Katie-George Dunlevy, left, and pilot Linda Kelly of Ireland celebrate after finishing second in the Women’s B road race on day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at Clichy-sous- Bois in Paris, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
6 September 2024; Members of the Ireland team, including Jessica McKenna, Sarah Slattery and Michael Murphy with backroom staff and Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne TD on day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at Château de Versailles in Paris, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
6 September 2024; Michael Murphy of Ireland after his run on day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at Château de Versailles in Paris, France. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
6 September 2024; Barry McClements of Ireland in action during the men’s S9 100m butterfly final on day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at La Defense Arena in Paris, France. Photo by Ian MacNicol/Sportsfile
There was loads more action on the road for the Para Cyclists, Para Swimmer, Barry McClements and the Para Equestrian athletes, you can read the full report on Paralympic Ireland’s website here.
Today we look forward to cheering on IWA’s Britney Arendse, Para Powerlifting and IWA ambassador, Mary Fitzgerald, Para Athletes – F40 Shot Put. They are amongst the last Team Ireland athletes to compete alongside Para Cyclist, Richael Timothy and Para Equestrian, Sarah Slattery.
Go Team Ireland!
