Ní Riain announces ascension as Keane misses medal at Paralympics

“To be honest, last night I was lying in bed and I was just really excited to get out tonight. I think that’s a really nice way to be. I wasn’t too nervous."

Ireland’s Roisin Ni Riain with her silver medal. Picture: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Tempered teenage rapture. Retirement tears. An expected silver medal. An unexpected and unwelcome fourth. The new standard-bearer of Irish Paralympic swimming announced herself from the second podium step. The woman who for so long set that standard did not get the send-off she wanted.

As the second evening of pool action at La Défense Arena reached its last few races, the pockets of green splashed around this stunningly impressive repurposed venue sat ready for medals. Heat and entry times pointed to podium finishes. It was simply a case of how many and what colour.