PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS added his congratulations to the tributes being paid to double-gold Paralympian Michael McKillop on Tuesday morning.
McKillop, 22, was in sensational form as he tore through the field to win the 1500m T37 final in London last night, setting a new Paralympic record of 4:08.11.
The Antrim native then shared a poignant podium moment with the world as he received his second gold medal from his mother Catherine — the first time that this has happened in the history of the Games.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny, transport minister Leo Varadkar and sports minister Michael Ring were among the first to congratulate McKillop and President Higgins was quick to echo their sentiments.
“I wish to warmly congratulate sprinter Michael McKillop on winning his second gold medal at London 2012 and on setting a new Paralympic record yesterday evening,” Higgins said in a statement.
“It is heartening to see an athlete so clearly enjoying himself and demonstrating such warmth towards his fellow athletes and competitors.”
McKillop’s success moves Ireland up to 12th in the medal table with five golds, two silvers and a bronze from five days of competition.
“All of Team Ireland’s athletes gave exceptional performances yesterday,” Higgins added. “I would like to wish them all the very best of luck over the coming days.”
