Minister Thomas Byrne, Sport Ireland, and Paralympics Ireland wish Team Ireland good luck at Paralympics Games

Ireland is sending a 35-strong team to the Games in Paris.

Today (Tuesday, August 20th, 2024), as Team Ireland gears up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne and Sport Ireland came together to extend their best wishes to Paralympics Ireland and the entire team.

Ireland is sending a 35-strong team to the Games in Paris, which start on August 28th. The athletes will be competing across nine sports.

Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne said: “I want to extend my very best wishes to Team Ireland in representing our country at the Paralympic Games. I have no doubt that each member of Team Ireland will represent our country with pride and excellence. Most importantly, I hope everyone on the team savours this incredible experience.

“The Paralympic Games provide an extraordinary platform for our athletes to display their talents on the global stage. To Team Ireland, my message is to go to Paris and give it your all, and to know that your entire nation is cheering you on.”

Sport Ireland provides a range of funding streams to Paralympics Ireland including High Performance Programme Funding, Direct Athlete Funding, Administration & Operations Funding, and Paralympic Games Support Funding. 

Combined across all funding streams, Sport Ireland will have invested over €8m in Paralympics Ireland throughout the Paris Cycle 2021-2024. 

Paralympics Ireland President Eimear Breathnach said: “On behalf of Paralympics Ireland I would like to thank the Department of Sport, Sport Ireland and the Sport Ireland Institute for their support throughout this Games cycle.

“We are looking forward now to seeing our 35 athletes competing at the Paralympic Games from August 28th in nine different sports. This is the culmination of so much work and preparation from the athletes and their support teams and I have no doubt that they will be ready to produce their best possible performances on this great stage.”

Chairperson of Sport Ireland John Foley said: “Everyone on the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown wants to wish Team Ireland well as they prepare to head off to the Paralympic Games. 

“All the athletes have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill to arrive at this moment, and we eagerly anticipate supporting them as they strive for excellence in Paris.”