PHOTOS Sarah Lavin and Tiarnán O’Donnell receive hero’s welcome at Castletroy College

Castletroy College honours past pupils, Olympian Sarah Lavin & Paralympian Tiarnán O’Donnell. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

More than 1,300 students welcomed Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Sarah Lavin and Tiarnán O’Donnell, back to Castletroy College, as school honours its most distinguished alumni

Castletroy College was filled with excitement and pride this week as more than 1,300 students gathered to welcome back Olympian Sarah Lavin and Paralympian Tiarnán O’Donnell.

The return of the athletes who represented Ireland at the Paris Games in 2024 marked a significant moment for the school, which is commemorating its 25th anniversary.

Both athletes were met with a beautiful reception which began in the staff room before taking the stage in front of the more than 1,300 students for speeches and a special presentation.

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Speaking with I Love Limerick, rower Tiarnán O’Donnell, who represented Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, said, “ I am delighted to be back where it all started, in Castletroy College. It’s been such a blast coming back, a lot of the same old teachers, and it brought back so many very, very proud memories.”

Hurdler Sarah Lavin, who represented Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympics, added, “ Returning to Castletroy College was just emotional and I guess just incredibly special to see so many familiar faces and people who shaped you, um, as an individual inside and outside the classroom.”

Both athletes were met with a rapturous reception, first in the staff room, where teachers and staff shared cake in their honour, with Principal Brian O’Donoghue noting the athletes “opted out” of sampling the cake before making their way to the sports hall to address the student body.

Speaking about the occasion, Principal Brian O’Donoghue told I Love Limerick, “ It is absolutely terrific to see our two Olympians back here in Castletroy College. The whole country celebrated last summer in Paris, watching the two of them perform.

“They’re wonderful, wonderful ambassadors and role models not only for our students here in the school, but for young people and everybody in general. It’s so wonderful to be here today and to meet, greet, and welcome back our two Olympians.”

Deputy Principal Magella Hanrahan expressed the deep pride felt by the school community. “ It’s so lovely to have Sarah and Tiernan here today, a real inspiration. We’re here at Castletroy College to celebrate 25 years, and it’s so lovely to have students back, especially of this caliber, and we’re really delighted to have them.”

One of the pair’s PE Teachers said it was a proud moment for them, noting they were “ super proud to be able to have them back at the school to celebrate their amazing achievements”.

Students also shared their excitement about meeting the two athletes. “Sarah really inspires me,” one student said. “She talked about getting more girls into sports, and I think that’s really important because it opens so many opportunities.”

As Castletroy College celebrates 25 years in Limerick, already having two athletes of this calibre in its alumni, the visit is sure to inspire many of the young students to follow their dreams in sports and beyond.

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick