Most in-depth research on Para-Sport launched
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The 42
03-08-2025
- The 42
Walshe ninth in Individual Medley to conclude World Swimming Championships
ELLEN WALSHE WAS ninth and just outside the 400m Individual Medley Final, while Ireland's men competed in the 4x100m Medley Relay on the final day of racing at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. The Ireland team closed out the Championships with ten semi-final or equivalent top sixteen places, four finals and three Irish Records. Walshe, already a two-time finalist in Singapore in the 200m Individual Medley and 200m Butterfly, was agonisingly close to a third Final, finishing fifth in her heat in her fastest ever morning swim in 4:38.72. Great Britain's Freya Colbert secured the final place in 4:38.31, just four tenths of a second ahead of Walshe. Advertisement The Templeogue swimmer spoke after the race, saying, 'I probably didn't expect it to be so fast. and I think even when I touched the wall, I was surprised at my time, never mind coming in fifth, but, I'll definitely take it on day eight. 'Like I've had many swims in my system, so I think I said to the team this morning if I could even be 4:41 I'd be delighted, so I think to see a 4:38 on the board, I was pretty surprised.' Reflecting on her Championships Walshe added, 'I'm delighted, I've had a quite successful worlds, I've made two finals, and I think to come ninth today, like, I'll take it.' A team of John Shortt, Eoin Corby, Jack Cassin and Evan Bailey represented Ireland on the senior international team for the first time. The quartet, who all train together at National Centre Limerick, combined for a time of 3:37.56. Shortt led the team with the Backstroke leg in 54.88 and said, 'The time wasn't like particularly brilliant, but you know, the end of a long week and end of a long, I suppose, like month and a bit it's just coming off the back European juniors as well, so, not the worst time I've ever had, but, just honestly so happy to be out there with the boys.' While most swimmers who competed in Singapore have now finished their season and will take a break ahead of the 2025/26 season, John Shortt, already a double European Junior Champion, still has one competition to go as he competes in the World Junior Swimming Championships in Otopeni, Romania from August 19th – 24th. Next up, a team of over 40 Irish Masters swimmers will be in action at the World Masters Aquatics Championships in Singapore from August 7th – 14th, while Ireland's Para swimmers continue to train as they work towards the World Para Swimming Championships, also in Singapore from September 21st – 27th.
Irish Examiner
31-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Funding gap forces Ireland's top para riders to fundraise to compete at European Championships
Ireland's top para riders, who face challenges most elite athletes don't, must now clear an unexpected financial hurdle that threatens their participation in the European championships next month. Despite having achieved the international qualification standards required to represent their country, the Irish para dressage team said 'unforeseen circumstances' have left a funding gap, which puts at risk their dream of competing at the European Para Dressage Championships. They have now launched a last-minute fundraising drive to ensure they can compete at the event at the National Equestrian Centre in Ermelo, the Netherlands, from September 3 to 7. The team, which includes Katie Reilly, 16, from Kildare, and Clodagh Walsh, 16, from Waterford, both of whom are ranked one and two in the world at under-18 level, and Angela Lyons, from Cork, are determined to make it. 'Finding out about the shortfall a month before the competition wasn't ideal,' Angela said. But we are going to do everything possible to turn this dream of competing in this competition into reality. We are not ones for giving up. 'Everyone's worked so hard to get to this level, and we are all doing our best to keep our training going, and to stay fit, so this funding shortfall is really the last thing we needed, but we are a determined bunch. 'We are very grateful for the support and help we have received to date, but we need to keep going.' Katie, the world number one in her category, and who will compete with Keystone Dawn Chorus, said: 'I was really proud and excited when I found out I was selected. My rider John helps get Lottie ready so I can focus on riding my best. I couldn't do it without my team.' Clodagh, the world number two in the same group, said: 'It's a great honour to represent Ireland. My support team helps me prepare and compete, and I'm very thankful for everything they do.' Dressage is one of the most technically demanding disciplines in equestrian sport, requiring absolute precision, mutual trust between rider and horse, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. Para dressage is for athletes with physical disabilities, with athletes competing in grades, ranked one to five, based on their individual physical abilities, with grade one for athletes with the most challenges. It is run under the same basic rules as traditional dressage, with riders performing a series of prescribed movements on their horses to demonstrate their horsemanship skills and the horse's training, with tests which include movements in straight lines, circles, and changes of gait. Para rider Katie Reilly on Keystone Dawn Chorus. She is ranked number one in the world at under-18 level. Riders can use compensatory aids or assistive devices like additional dressage crops, specially adapted reins, or special saddles. Para Equestrian Ireland, the charity which supports the athletes, said they ride not for financial gain or fame, but for pride, identity, and a belief in what is possible. 'It's not about medals, it's about meaning,' a spokesperson said. It is supporting the team's travel and competition expenses, but the money won't cover additional costs for accessible transport, specialist support and accessible accommodation, carers, therapy appointments, and personal care alongside training. Angela, who will compete with Tommy, said it's a huge honour to be picked to represent Ireland. 'Every time I ride, I remember why I do this. It's not just about competing but about showing what's possible,' she said. Para rider Clodagh Walsh on Chantal. She is ranked number two in the world at under-18 level. 'Everyone wants to show their ability. We all do it for the love of the sport, but also to prove to ourselves that we can do it.' The horses will depart for the Netherlands in late August to arrive in the Ermelo stables by September 1, ahead of the competition. If you or your company would like to support the athletes, email or donate directly on idonate.
Irish Post
26-06-2025
- Irish Post
Call to action as new research reveals barriers to disability sports in Ireland
NEW research has revealed striking inequalities in access to Para sports in Ireland. The report found girls and those who become disabled in later life face more challenging pathways when attempting to access disability sports. The far-reaching study, a collaboration between the University of Limerick and Paralympics Ireland, examined the lived experience of Para athletes and coaches across the country. It found that girls with disabilities begin participating in Para sport nearly a decade later than boys. The finding 'points to a stark gender disparity that limits early engagement' the report authors state. The study also found that individuals with acquired disabilities face significantly more obstacles to participation than those with congenital disabilities. Pictured at the launch (l-r) Dr Seán Healy, research assistant Alan Dineen, Paralympics Ireland COO Neasa Russell, Disability Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Limerick Councillor Frankie Daly, the University of Limerick's Professor Elaine Murtagh and Dr Ian Sherwin (Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile) Despite these challenges, the report highlighted the 'profound impact' of Para sport in improving physical and mental health, fostering independence, and enhancing quality of life for participants. The report calls for better use of the untapped potential of schools, families, and rehabilitation settings as entry points into sport. These environments, the study finds, are 'critical to long-term engagement but remain underutilised'. The research also calls for 'targeted investment in local programmes, increased access to trained coaches, and improved availability of adaptive equipment to create more inclusive sporting opportunities across Ireland'. Ireland's Disability Minister, Hildegarde Naughton attended the launch of the report, titled Gateways & Pathways: Athlete and Coach Experiences of Para Sport in Ireland, at the University of Limerick this month. 'Sport and physical activity is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our society, she said. 'I am a firm believer that all people should have the right to enjoy sport which brings so much to all our lives. 'It keeps us healthy, and it is the backbone of our communities.' She added: 'Despite recent and welcome progress, there remains an enduring participation gap between persons with a disability and those living without such challenges. 'The research we are publishing today will form a critical part of how we will continue to work together, as a government and a sporting community, to break down barriers to sport.' Dr Sean Healy, who was the lead researcher on the project, said that the findings of their study must be a catalyst for change. 'This research is a call to action,' he said. 'By identifying where the system is falling short, we now have the opportunity to reshape how Para sport is delivered in this country.' He added: 'The recommendations offer a clear roadmap for making sport more inclusive, equitable, and impactful for people with disabilities.' Neasa Russell, Paralympics Ireland's Chief Operating Officer, said the findings reinforce what was 'already felt' among the Para sports community. 'This research shines a powerful light on both the barriers and the opportunities within Irish Para sport,' she said. 'It confirms what many in our community have long felt – that access is unequal, especially for girls and for those who acquire a disability later in life. 'But it also highlights the transformative role sport can play when those barriers are removed.' She added: 'Our job now is to act on these findings and ensure that every person with a disability, regardless of gender, age, or background, has a clear and supported pathway into sport. 'That is the vision we are committed to delivering.' Paralympics Ireland and University of Limerick will now begin working with key stakeholders to explore steps to implement the report's recommendations. See More: Barriers, Disability, Ireland, Para Sports, Report
