Heroes’ welcome for group that beat all expectations

Preparations are under way to welcome back an Irish Paralympic team that raised the bar of expectation here and across the sporting world.

As the two-week Paralympics ended last night it saw the London summer games, which will forever be etched in the country’s sporting psyche, quench its flame for a final time.

The Irish team attended the ceremony in celebratory mood after finishing an incredible 19th on the medal table despite having a team of just 49 competitors.