AT a Paralympics that unfortunately resembles that horrendous Olympic forerunner in its chaotic transportation and organisational deficiencies, Ireland garnered two further bronze medals yesterday.
And whatever the occasion is lacking outside the competitive arena, it is certainly delivering in the heat of battle - at least in Irish terms.
Yesterday Sean O'Grady and Mary Rice took their turn to step into the limelight.
O'Grady (40), a former Limerick hurler, took the initiative in the FS Discus (for paraplegics) by launching a 28.34 metres first round effort. Although he could not improve on that on five subsequent throws, only a Canadian and an American were longer.
As for Rice. Well, the Belfast woman was timed at 39.96 seconds to claim her bronze in the 200m for cerebral palsy. In front of her, Linda Mastandrea (US) took gold, and with it the world record in 25.30 seconds, ahead of Narico Arai (Japan).
Tom Leahy of Cork is already guaranteed a silver. Having previously been knocked out of the Boccia (similar to bowls) team competition, Leahy must have had his confidence dented. Or so one would have thought. His character tested, Leahy has responded magnificently to make the final in the individual event.
Meanwhile, Britain enjoyed another prosperous day yesterday. They picked up 21 medals, including five golds. This leaves them in third place in the medals table behind Australia and the United States.
The growing popularity of the Paralympics, first staged at Rome in 1960, has attracted an influx of countries, which has led to a wider spread of countries making the podium.
