Byrne gives Team Ireland solid start

Eilish Byrne’s spirits were high yesterday afternoon after placing seventh of 23 riders on the first day of the London Paralympics.

The Armagh-based Dundalk woman scored 67.714% with Youri, which she said was close to her expectations.

“I am a happy girl,” she said with a laugh. “To be honest, I was quite worried about the crowd, as he is a sharp cookie. The beginning of the test did not flow and he tripped, but the second part of the test went well and there was loads of clapping and cheering as we left the arena and, of course, he didn’t bat an eyelid.