Limerick athlete Tiarnán O’Donnell is Paris 2024-bound

Limerick athlete Tiarnán O’Donnell is set to represent Team Ireland alongside teammate Katie O’Brien. Photo: Paralympics.ie

Limerick athlete Tiarnán O’Donnell was named in the Team Ireland Paralympic team travelling to Paris for this month’s competition, joining his Para Rowing teammate Katie O’Brien

Limerick’s Tiarnán O’Donnell is set to represent Team Ireland alongside teammate Katie O’Brien in the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls for the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.  

In 2023, Tiarnán set his sights on representing Team Ireland at this year’s Paralympic Games, and following the Team Ireland announcement on Thursday, August 1 the Limerick athlete’s dream is now reality.

This marks the first time an Irish Para rowing boat makes an appearance at the Paralympic Games since London 2012, sparking local and national pride.

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Initially making a name for himself as one of Ireland’s top wheelchair basketball players, he transitioned to rowing through the PTSB NextGen programme. His rapid progress and natural talent have earned him a place alongside Katie to compete in Paris.

Tiarnán, who captained an Irish U23 wheelchair basketball team to a European Bronze in Finland, decided to pivot from wheelchair basketball to rowing after receiving an encouraging message from world champion rower Katie O’Brien.

Speaking following his graduation from University of Limerick, Tiarnán said, “Katie is at the top of this sport and messaged me saying: ‘I think you could be amazing at rowing if you gave it a go’. I decided that once my degree was secured, I would commit everything to this goal of going to the Paralympics next year.

“I walked straight from my final exam to the UL boathouse. The day I started rowing was the day I finished my studies.”

Tiarnán’s teammate, Katie O’Brien a rowing star from Galway, found her passion for Para sport while watching the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Her journey in rowing began shortly after, and she has since risen to become a world champion Para rower. Katie’s path to Paris 2024 was secured with an outstanding performance at the World Championships last September, showcasing her dedication and exceptional talent.

The announcement of the full Team Ireland, encompassing nine sports, took place at a celebratory ceremony held at the RDS. The event was attended by friends, families, government dignitaries, and the wider Paralympics Ireland community. Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Anne Rabbitte, was present to extend her best wishes to the team.

Neasa Russell, Paralympics Ireland Chef de Mission, expressed her pride and excitement: “We are really delighted to be presenting our full Team Ireland for the Paralympic Games. We are incredibly proud of the performances the athletes have put in to get to this point and we are really looking forward to supporting them reach their potential at Paris. We also must acknowledge the wonderful support staff around them that have worked tirelessly to get their teams to this point. Tús maith leath na hoibre’”