Northern Ireland v Italy (15/11/2021)

OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS LAP UP THE APPLAUSE WORDS : NIGEL T ILSON

Olympians and Paralympians who support Northern Ireland were invited to do a lap of honour during half-time at the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on Friday night. The special guests included Newtownards gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and Lisburn boxer Kurt Walker, who both represented Ireland at this year’s Olympics in Tokyo. Among the Paralympians taking part was Jason Smyth, from Eglinton, who retained his gold medal in the 100 metres sprint in Tokyo. Jason, who runs for Ireland, has won six gold medals across four Paralympics in both 100m and 200m in the T13 disability sport classification. Also there were Larne woman Claire Taggart, who played for the Paralympics GB boccia team in Japan, and Philip Eaglesham, from Dungannon,

who represented Ireland in shooting at the Paralympics. And Team Ireland swimmer Barry McClements also enjoyed the match. The Comber teenager finished seventh in the S9 men’s 100m backstroke final.

#Colours of MAD