It’s been a strong day for team Ireland at the end of day four of the Rio Paralympics.
Michael McKillop has captured his fourth gold medal following an impressive performance in the T-37 1500m final.
The Ballymena man was four seconds clear of the chase as he retained the gold medal he won in the London games four years ago.
His latest Paralympic success will now be added to gold medals he won in the 800m at the London and Beijing Games.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has congratulated McKillop on winning gold, describing him as a truly inspirational figure.
RTE cameraman @colmwhatyalike belting out Irish anthem after McKillop win #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/nU13oud4hb
— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) September 11, 2016
The Taoiseach said, “I would like to congratulate Michael on his brilliant victory. He has underlined his tremendous talent here again to add to the three gold medals he has already won.”
“He is a truly inspirational figure and his achievements are a worthy reward for his dedication to his sport.”
Awesome 2 meet #CatherineWalsh & @FrancineMeehan on Copacabana following their #rio2016 #triathlon. #MoreThanSport ☘ pic.twitter.com/GixU5umF9P
— Irish Embassy Brazil (@IrlEmbBrazil) September 11, 2016
Catherine Walsh and Fran Meehan have finished in 8th position in the women’s triathlon following the 5km run.
The pair were previously in ninth position following the bike section of the event.
Earlier today, Orla Comerford finished in 8th place in T13 100m final.
In swimming, Ailbhe Kelly finished 7th in her heat in the S8 100 FS with a time of one minute and 20 seconds and finishes in 15th place overall.
Ellen Keane finished fourth in her heat in the SM9 200 IM with a time of two minutes and 41 seconds.
Elsewhere, Damien Vereker and Sean Hahessy finished the MB Tandem Kilo in a time of one minute and six seconds with more competitors still to ride.
Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal took 5th in the WB Tandem Pursuit with a personal best of 3 minutes and 33 seconds.
