The University of Limerick hosted a special homecoming on campus last night to celebrate more than 25 members of the UL community who had direct involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games as athletes, coaches or support team members.
Notable athletes in attendance included Róisín Ní Riain, Thomas Barr and Tiarnán O Donnell.
Róisín Ní Riain is a current UL student, she took home a silver and a bronze medal for swimming in her second Paralympic games this summer.
She’s the current World Para Swimming Champion in the 100m Backstroke and holds the World Record in the 200m Backstroke, set in 2023. The Limerick native is now the first female UL student to win medals at the Paralympic games.
At just 19 years old, this is just the start of the science student’s success.
Thomas Barr is a three-time Olympian from Waterford, and recently became a European gold medalist as part of the 400m Mixed Relay team.
They were unfortunate not to qualify for the final at the Paris Games.
Sarah Lavin and Sharlene Mawdsley, both of which are also former UL sports scholars – competed in this year’s games but were unable to attend the homecoming.
Limerick’s Tiarnán O Donnell made his Paralympic debut in double sculls rowing this summer. He made a name for himself as one of Ireland’s top wheelchair basketball players, winning several national titles with Limerick Celtics.
The former UL sports scholarship star missed out on a spot in the Paris finals.
“These games are the pinnacle of international sport, and to compete at that level is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and spirit of these athletes,” said UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins. “We are all immensely proud of how they’ve represented both their country and UL.”
“It’s great to be here this evening to celebrate the end of the Olympics and Paralympics,” said Róisín Ní Riain. “UL is where I learned to swim, trained, and spent so much of my time, it’s truly my home away from home, especially the pool!
“The support UL has given me, from the pool, the gym, the arena, and everyone involved in UL Sport and the sports scholarship programme, it really has been key in getting me to where I am today. I’m incredibly grateful for that.”