County Derry athlete honoured at the Paralympics Ireland Awards Gala

A County Derry athlete was honoured at the Paralympics Ireland Awards Gala, celebrating the team's performance at Paris 2024.

Dearbhaile Brady was awarded on the night with the Nestlé Outstanding Games Debut award.

The 17-year-old finished fifth in the final of the S6 women’s 50m butterfly final, setting a new personal best, and was just 0.16 seconds off of the bronze medal.

On the night, there were 11 awards handed out to athletes, including the one claimed by the Feeney teenager.

For the second time in a row, Katie George Dunlevy was crowned the Aer Lingus Outstanding Female Performance, this time alongside pilot Linda Kelly. 

The duo forged a formidable partnership over the last couple of years that culminated in two Paralympic medals on the road, gold in the Time Trial followed by silver in the Road Race.

Dunlevy also won silver on the track with long-time pilot Eve McCrystal to solidify her place as one of Ireland's greatest-ever Paralympians. 

The Aer Lingus Outstanding Male Performance was also awarded to a tandem bike, Martin Gordon and Eoin Mullen collecting the silverware after setting a new Irish record in the Men’s B 1000m Time Trial despite suffering a crash just days beforehand.

Róisín Ní Riain was honoured once again, this time with the Allianz Young Paralympian of the Games. 

The two-time Paralympian brought home two medals, a silver in the 100m Backstroke and a bronze in the 200m Individual Medley.

The PTSB Team Spirit Awards were presented to recognise the athlete and support team member whose team spirit, personality, and sense of fair play in the build-up to and during the Games best exemplified the Team Ireland values of Be Sound, Use Your Cop On, and Look Out For Each Other, and these awards were voted by the athletes themselves as well as the Team behind the Team. 

The winner of the PTSB Athlete Team Spirit Award was Tiarnán O'Donnell, while the Deputy Chef de Mission for Team Ireland, Richard Doyle, was celebrated with the Support Team Spirit Award.

Former Paralympics Ireland President Jimmy Gradwell received the highest honour a person connected with the Irish Paralympic Movement may achieve, the Irish Paralympic Order.

The final act of the night saw four-time Paralympian Michael McKillop inducted into the Hall of Fame following an outstanding career that saw him win four Paralympic gold medals.

Over 250 guests, including Minister of State at the Department of Sport Thomas Byrne, six-time Paralympic gold medalist Jason Smyth, family, and friends, attended on the night, where several athletes were recognised for their individual performances and commitment to Team Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Paralympics Ireland President Eimear Breathnach said: “After the success of the Paris Games, I was delighted on behalf of the board to host the celebration of Team Ireland and recognise the fantastic performances of our athletes. It was particularly special to have our athletes’ family and friends who have supported our athletes on their journey there to celebrate their success. 

“Congratulations to all the award winners on the night, those who were recognised for their individual achievements and those who had their commitment to Paralympics Ireland duly recognised. The standard of award winners is indicative of the strength of Para  sport in Ireland and a sign of a bright future for Team Ireland. 

“I would also like to thank Minister Byrne for attending the event and particularly for his ongoing support and recognition of our athletes.” 

Paralympics Ireland CEO Stephen McNamara added: “Being an athlete with a goal of getting to a Paralympic Games requires an unwavering commitment, sacrifices, and a supportive family. Now that the work of Paris is done, it was fantastic to bring this group back together to recognise and celebrate the achievement of everyone that made up Team Ireland. 

“The class of Paris 24 have now graduated, and while the work for LA 28 has already begun, it is fitting that the athletes and support staff get to kick off the spikes, remove the swim cap, put down the paddle, and park the bike to raise a glass to celebrate their achievements. Ireland will forever thank them for all they have done.”