Irish Examiner view: Paralympics finale brings curtain down on six great weeks for Team Ireland

Ireland’s team of 35 paralympians should be proud of their part in a memorable summer of sporting endeavour in Paris

Team Ireland flagbearers Ellen Keane and Michael Murphy carrying the tricolour during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.  Picture: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

As the lights went down on the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympics at the Stade de France, bringing to a conclusion a glorious and memorable six weeks of sporting endeavour in Paris, Ireland’s team of 35 can reflect on a noble effort.

Gold, silver, and bronze were brought home in cycling, swimming, and athletics. The fascinating battle between Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly and the British pair, Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl — which came down to a sprint finish after a 100km road race — proved to be one of the epic struggles of this summer.