Róisín Ní Riain’s Silver Medal Highlights Strong Team Ireland Performances on Friday in Paris
Róisín Ní Riain delivered a stunning performance to secure a silver medal in the Women’s S13 100m Backstroke final, marking a memorable day for Team Ireland at the Paris Paralympic Games. Ní Riain clocked a time of 1:07.27, claiming her first-ever Paralympic medal and adding a new chapter to Ireland’s growing legacy in para sports.
Expressing her joy after the race, Ní Riain said, “I’m delighted with that swim, and it’s extra special with my friends and family here to watch. My whole training group from Limerick, many of them are here, so it’s really nice to achieve this with them cheering me on. My three sisters, who also swim, are here too, which makes this moment even more special.”
Reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere at the pool, Ní Riain added, “The huge roar when I emerged on the pool deck was amazing. Having everyone here to support me definitely spurred me on. I’ll have to go back and analyze the race, but overall, I’m happy. Racing is what I love, and each time I compete, I learn something new.”
Róisín Ní Riain’s silver medal marks Ireland’s first of the Games, but she emphasized that this is just the beginning. “It’s a great feeling to win Ireland’s first medal, but there’s so much more to come. This is definitely only the start for Ireland.”
Shortly after Róisín Ní Riain’s triumph, Ellen Keane narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the 100m SB8 Breaststroke final with a time of 1:24.69, just two-tenths of a second off the podium. Keane, a seasoned Paralympic athlete, was philosophical about her near miss.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed not to make the podium, but I gave it my all. I really felt it in my legs towards the end of the race. It was so close, and I knew it would be a fight,” Keane said. “Since Tokyo, I’ve been mentally ready to walk away, but tonight was about giving it everything I had, and I’m proud of that effort. I’m grateful to be here and looking forward to the next phase of my life, though I’ll likely stay involved in some way with Paralympic swimming.”
In the Velodrome earlier today, Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal finished fifth in the Women’s B 1000m Time Trial final with a time of 1:09.447. Despite a challenging build-up to the Games, including Dunlevy’s recovery from a broken collarbone, the pair delivered a commendable performance.
“We’re happy with the ride; it was better than this morning even though it was slower. Fifth place in a 1km race, especially against specialists, is great, and it gives us confidence for Sunday,” said Dunlevy. “Preparation wasn’t ideal—three months ago, I broke my collarbone—but I’m here in Paris, racing and healthy, and that’s what matters. We battle on.”
Eve McCrystal echoed her partner’s sentiments, expressing optimism for the days ahead. “I’m definitely looking forward to Sunday. Today’s race felt like the first kilo of the Pursuit, getting into rhythm. It’s going to be a tough fight against the British teams, but all we can do is our own ride and see what happens.”
Also competing in the Women’s B 1000m Time Trial was Paralympic debutant Josephine Healion, piloted by Linda Kelly. The pair set a personal best of 1:10.808, finishing seventh, just missing out on the final. Despite the narrow miss, Healion was thrilled with her Paralympic experience.
“It was absolutely phenomenal to compete at the Games and set a PB. I’m new to this, so the atmosphere was incredible. The Irish fans were amazing, and I’m over the moon with how we performed today,” Healion said.
Kelly added, “I’m so happy with our performance today. The crowds really drove us on, and the energy was incredible. We’ve settled the nerves now and are ready for the next challenge.”
As Team Ireland continues its Paralympic campaign, hopes are high for more medals and memorable performances.
Day 3 Paralympics Games Schedule (Saturday, 31st August)
09:00 – Richael Timothy – Para Cycling (track) – C1-3 500m Time Trial Qualifier
09:40 – Shauna Bocquet – Para Athletics – T54 5000m Final
09:50 – Katie O’Brien & Tiarnán O’Donnell – Para Rowing – PR2 Mixed Double Sculls Repechage
10:02 – Ronan Grimes – Para Cycling (track) – C4-5 4000m Individual Pursuit Qualifier
12:35 – Richael Timothy – Para Cycling (track) – C1-3 500m Final*
13:52 – Ronan Grimes – Para Cycling (track) – C4-5 4000m Individual Pursuit Bronze Final*
14:01 – C4-5 4000m Individual Pursuit Gold Final*
18:13 – Greta Streimikyte – Para Athletics – T13 1500m Final
Events marked with an asterisk are pending qualifying results.