Team Ireland has taken its first gold medals at the Special Olympics Summer Games in LA.
21-year-old gymnast Kirsty Devlin from Belfast won two golds in various stages of the Rope competition in Gymnastics Rhythmic Level 1. She went on to add two silver and a fourth place ribbon to her collection in various gymnastic disciplines.
Kirsty Devlin, a member of SALTO Gymnastics Club, from Belfast, who won 2 Gold and 2 silver medals, in gymnastics. Picture credit: Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
The Irish gymnasts were unstoppable – Limerick’s Ashleigh O’Hagan finished the day with two bronze medals and three place ribbons.
Aoife O’Sullivan from Cork City also clinched one gold and two bronze medals in gymnastics, while Westmeath man Peter Malynn won a gold medal in the singles bocce competition.
Day 3 – Special Olympics World Games from Sportsfile on Vimeo.
Henry McKean reports from day 3 of the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles
Team Ireland’s tally now stands at 15 medals, including four gold, two silver and five bronze.
We'll need to book Extra baggage for Team Ireland flight home. 15 MEDALS WON SO FAR!!! @SOIreland @todayfm @IanDempsey #LA2015
— Mairead Ronan (@cocomairead) July 29, 2015
The 11-a-side footballers were unlucky in defeat to Bangladesh in their first group game, but hopefully the support of Team Ireland ambassador Robbie Keane will help them to success in their next match.
Team talk! @LAGalaxy Captain Robbie Keane rallies @SOIreland @SpecialOlympics soccer athletes @LA2015 #ReachUpLA pic.twitter.com/PKNhu7viUL
— Special Olympics EU (@SpecOlympicsEU) July 29, 2015