PARALYMPICS Paralympic Council of Ireland appoints Head of Paralympic Athletics

The Paralympic Council of Ireland in association with Paralympic Athletics Ireland today announced the appointment of Mr. Stephen Maguire to the position of Head of Paralympic Athletics.

Mr Maguire, a former Director of Coaching with Athletics Ireland and the coach of Beijing Paralympic Sensation and Double Gold Medallist, Jason Smyth, will be responsible for implementing the High Performance Programme for Paralympic Athletics over the coming years in the lead up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Speaking on his appointment to the position, Mr. Maguire said " I'm delighted to be taking on this role. I have been involved with the Paralympic Council of Ireland at many levels and this is a very athlete focussed organisation. Applying my skills in this role, to improve and develop athlete and coaches for the London 2012 cycle will, I know, be a very rewarding experience."

Speaking on the appointment, President of the Paralympic Council of Ireland, Mr. Jimmy Gradwell said, "The Paralympic Council is delighted with the appointment of Stephen as Head of Irish Paralympic Athletics. Stephen has a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he will bring to the role and this will be of huge benefit to our athletes and coaches."

Commenting on the appointment, Paralympic Performance Director Ms Nancy Chillingworth said, "Stephen is a vastly experienced athletics coach from development up to the highest international level and his track record speaks for itself. We very much welcome him to the team here at the PCI and look forward to working with him in the future."

Maguire, one of Ireland's most successful coaches having been involved in Irish athletics for many years. A senior international coach, Maguire was named Athletics coach of the Year in 2006 and coached Irish sprint sensation, Jason Smyth to two Gold Medals and World Records in the Beijing Paralympic Games. A native of Strabane, Co. Tyrone and father of one, Maguire takes on the position of Head of Paralympic Athletics on a part time basis.

For further information, refer to the Paralympic Council of Ireland website www.pcireland.ie Tel: 01-6251175