The four-day multisport training camp at the Univeristy of Limerick is allowing some of Ireland's top medal prospects to participate in training sessions, as well as media and team building activities, while being fully backed up by the complete Paralympics Ireland support team.

The Irish Sports Council has already stated in their Beijing 2008 Review that the country is looking to secure five medals at London 2012, including three gold medals to match the haul they took in the Chinese capital.

They are currently on track to achieve this target, as the country has five current world champions across eight events – these being: Mark Rohan (pictured below), in hand cycling road race and time trial disciplines; Catherine Walsh (with pilot Fran Meehan) in tandem cycling (track 3 kilometre pursuit); Colin Lynch in cycling (track 4km pursuit and road time trial); Michael McKillop in athletics (800 and 1,500 metres); and Catherine O'Neill also in athletics (discus).

All five are at the Limerick camp and are likely to be selected for the Irish London 2012 team, which is due to be announced in Dublin on June 28.


"These camps are essential in our preparation as a team for London 2012," said Rohan, who was paralysed from the chest down following a serious road accident in 2001.

"Bringing together athletes from ten sports to mould them into one team is a complex task, but one in which Paralympics Ireland have succeeded greatly.

"The performance mindset of the whole team is sure to accrue great returns in London.

"The added benefit of the comprehensive sports science and medical services available ensures that all of the athlete's needs are being catered for."

Liam Harbison, the Paralympics Ireland chief executive and Chef de Mission for the Irish team, said that the camps are vitally important for the team ahead of the Paralympic Games.


"The focus at this camp is very much on enhancing all aspects of performance and to provide essential support services to the athletes from our professional backroom team," he said.

"As always the welcome in Limerick has been top class and we look forward to our final visit in August prior to departing to London."

Ireland finished in 36th place on the medal table at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics with their star performer being Jason Smyth (pictured).

The visually impaired 24-year-old from Derry won both the T13 100 and 200 metres in world record times in China.

Smyth is expected to achieve similar feats in at the 2012 Paralympics and is also hoping to qualify for the 100m at the Olympics.

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