PARALYMPICS More Medal Success for Irish team at World Paralympic Athletics Championships

Garrett Culliton Wins Bronze in Discus,

Jason Smyth equals world record in qualifying for 100 meter final  

September 5, 2006

Garrett Culliton from Laois won a bronze medal in the F52 discus in Assen. His throw of 16.09 was enough to secure a place on the podium and Ireland's 3 rd medal of the World Championships. The competition took place on late on Monday evening but the final result was not confirmed until Tuesday due to a dispute on the classification of a US athlete.

 Jason Smyth equaled the Paralympic World Record of 10.96 seconds in the semi final of the T13 100 meters, making the Derry teenager the fastest qualifier for tomorrow's final.  

 Rosemary Tallon took sixth place in her F53 discus final. A throw of 11.03, just outside her Irish record, was a creditable performance for the Louth women who only returned from a back injury six weeks ago.

Patrice Dockery, Dublin, is struggling to find her best form in Assen and a time of 2.18.81 was not enough to qualify the Beaumont athlete for the T54 800 meter.  

Noel Brennan, Team Manager, said "We are all delighted for Garrett. He is a senior team member now and has made an enormous contribution to Irish Paralympic sport. He has not always enjoyed the best of luck at Championships and his medal here makes up for a lot of narrow defeats in the past".

Wednesday at the Championships will see the return to action of medal winners Jason Smyth (T13 100 meter final) and Michael McKillop (T37 800 meter semi final). World record holder Lisa Callaghan takes part in the F37 javelin and Roy Geurin takes to the track for the first time in the Championships in the T53 100 meters. Patrice Dockery continues her heavy programme in the T54 200 meters.

The IPC World Championships is the most prestigious event for disability athletes outside the Paralympic Games, with 1,500 athletes competing from 77 countries in 240 events. An added incentive for athletes is that   performances having a direct bearing on the allocation of competition places for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. The Irish team comprises of 14 Athletes (10 Men, 4 Women) from three disability groups, supported by a staff complement of 9 coaches and officials.

For further Information contact

John Fulham  communications@pcireland.ie                  087 2709182

Paul McDermott                Irish Sports Council                      087 6486295

or visit the Paralympic Council of Ireland Website www.pcireland.ie