Team Ireland’s claimed their first gold medal at the Special Olympics World Summer Games as 21-year-old gymnast Kirsty Devlin from Belfast came out on top in her Rope competition in Gymnastics Rhythmic Level 1.
Devlin who trains with SALTO Gymnastics Club in Belfast, had a great day of competition, taking a total of four medals: two gold, two silver and a fourth place ribbon (full breakdown below) in various sections of the Gymnastics Rhythmic Level 1 competition.
Elizabeth Devlin, mother of Kirsty, hailed her daughter’s efforts and said: "I'm absolutely so proud - the tears were in my eyes, watching Kirsty. She’s just amazing. The whole family is so proud of her.
"There are four of us out here in LA supporting Kirsty - myself, my brother and his wife and my son. She’ll be a celebrity when she gets home - everyone will shake her hand and congratulate her. They all love her back in Belfast, everyone loves her!"
There was further success in gymnastics for Limerick City athlete Ashleigh O’Hagan who won two bronze medals and three place ribbons in the Rhythmic Level 1 Gymnastics.
Speaking after her win, O’Hagan said: "It's absolutely fantastic and a great achievement. I’m proud as punch.”
Tying up a fantastic day for the Team Ireland gymnastics team, Aoife O’Sullivan from Cork City clinched one Gold and Two bronze medals, as well as two place ribbons.
Meanwhile, Westmeath man Peter Malynn also won a gold medal in a tense final in the singles bocce competition, which is a ball sport similar to bowls. The final score in his match was 9-7 and the Mullingar man was thrilled with the outcome.
And there was further success for the Team Ireland Bowling team, with a bronze in the Doubles event for Martina Walsh from Castlebar in Mayo and Ruth Geerah from Mullingar, Westmeath.
The 11-a-side footballers had a famous supporter in their corner as they took on Bangladesh in their first group game.
Team Ireland ambassador Robbie Keane came to cheer the players on and also delivered a pre-match pep talk.
However, in what was a tough game, the footballers recorded a 4-1 loss. Yet there were many positives in the performance and the Irish and LA Galaxy captain offered the players some words of encouragement after the final whistle. "The scoreline didn’t do the lads justice. They are obviously disappointed but it’s important they pick themselves back up now," said Keane.
Team Ireland’s current medal tally (end day three) is 15 medals: Four gold, three silver and eight bronze.
