Stockholm Hearts field Peder Fredricson, Olivier Philippaerts, Nicola Philippaerts, Malin Baryard Johnsson, Lillie Keenan and Lily Attwood (U25) again this year.

Valkenswaard United, second in 2022’s GCL Super Cup, will have new-signing Olivier Lazarus joining John Whitaker, Marcus Ehning, Edwina Tops-Alexander, Andre Thieme and talented U25 rider Gilles Thomas.

Rome Gladiators bring in Irish duo Michael Duffy and Trevor Breen along with Jos Verlooy to join Shane Breen, Beth Underhill and Nina Mallevaey (U25).

Other changes

Shanghai Swans have signed up German Daniel Deusser to boost their squad; Olympic Gold Medalist Laura Kraut transfers to Madrid In Motion; Dutch Champion Frank Schuttert joins Georgina Bloomberg’s New York Empire; St Tropez Pirates have a huge shake-up, signing 4 new riders Angelica Augustsson Zanotelli, Katrin Eckermann, Simon Delestre and Marlon Modolo Zanotelli; Jur Vrieling switches to Jennifer Gates’ team, Paris Panthers, while there will be a brand new team for 2023 called Riyadh Blue.

Denis Lynch will be in the New York Empire squad; Tom Wachman is with Mexico Amigos, while his brother Tom is the U25 rider with Cannes Stars; Mark McAuley is part of the Madrid In Motion squad and Jeremy Sweetnam will compete with Monaco Aces.

Jan Tops, President of the LGCT and GCL, said:

“We are thrilled to announce the exciting line-up of the 16 teams for 2023. It will take exceptional team performances to win the GCL Finals and the GCL Super Cup, with incredible prize money on offer. With fantastic U25 talent in the GCL, we continue giving young riders the opportunity to shine at our unique world-class venues.”

The individual championship of the Longines Global Champions Tour will see winners of each LGCT Grand Prix booking a place in the LGCT Super Grand Prix with a €1.25m purse.

GCL kicks off in Doha on 2 – 4 March 2023.

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The West Cork duo have continued their success streak, adding more silverware to their collection.

O’Donovan and McCarthy made their usual solid start placing them in the middle of the field. Their second half of the race saw them consistently find the speed to pull through every crew ahead.

The Swiss double went out hard, leading to the 1 kilometre and holding onto the Irish coming into the last quarter. In the end, they just couldn’t keep up with the Cork duo, dropping back into third position crossing the line.

Aoife Casey (UCC RC) in the A Final of the LW1x just missed out on the medals by a mere 1.4 seconds.

The PR2 Mix2x of Katie O’Brien (Galway RC) and Steven McGowan (Galway RC) put in a strong showing in their A Final, finishing in fourth position.

In an extremely tight race, the Lightweight Women’s Double of Margaret Cremen and Lydia Heaphy finished just outside of the medals in fourth position.

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Ireland climbed from overnight ninth place to finish fourth overall and take one of the five Olympic places on offer – and at the finish, missed out on the bronze medal by just one penalty.

Just the top 10 teams from the 22 that started the week made it through to the final under floodlights. Ireland starting in ninth place overall, carrying forward a score of 17.15 penalties from the first two rounds held on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tipperary’s Denis Lynch was first to jump with his Rome Grand Prix winner Brooklyn Heights. The World No.25 produced an excellent round, jumping clear over the fences, picking up just one time fault over what was proving a very difficult course.

Wexford’s Bertram Allen then gave Ireland another boost when he jumped an outstanding clear round with The Irish Sport Horse Pacino Amiro. Those rounds from Lynch and Allen moved Ireland up five places to fourth with two riders left to jump for each of the 10 teams.

Third to go for Ireland, Meath’s Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2 were clear until the penultimate combination where they had one fence down and picked up one time fault for a five fault score. That score from O’Connor would prove crucial.

Derry’s Daniel Coyle had a couple of fences down with Legacy, after which Coyle decided to retire knowing he couldn’t improve Ireland’s score.

Sweden claimed a well-deserved team gold medal after finishing on a score of just 7.69. Netherlands took silver on 19.31 while Britain just pipped Ireland for bronze on 22.66 seconds.

Ireland in fourth had a final score of 23.15, while Germany took the last Olympic qualifying place on a score of 24.76.

Irish team manager Michael Blake said:

“Obviously we are delighted to take an Olympic qualification place at the very first opportunity as it now gives us two full years to prepare for the Games. It is slightly bittersweet as we came so close to winning a medal.

Horse Sport Ireland CEO Denis Duggan added:

“Huge congratulations to Michael Blake and his team on a fantastic performance at the World Championships and in gaining Olympic qualification. To qualify here at the very first opportunity against all of the top teams in the world, is hugely significant, as it gives us as much time as possible to prepare for Paris.”

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The 17-year old Howth Yacht Club sailor won the 2021 Youth World Championship at Lake Garda, Italy, last August.

McMahon celebrated in the traditional manner by jumping overboard. Her close competitor Roos Wind from The Netherlands congratulated McMahon back on her dingy.

The ILCA6, previously known as the Laser Radial, is the women’s single-handed event for the Olympic Games. Annalise Murphy won silver for Ireland at Rio 2016 after narrowly missing the podium at the London Games four years previously.

“You really couldn’t get better than that”

“Originally, I was using this regatta as a warm-up event as I hadn’t sailed for a long time while sitting my Leaving Cert,”said McMahon shortly after coming ashore. “I was really pleased with my final day, I finished with two bullets so you couldn’t really get better than that.”

McMahon now heads to The Netherlands for the Sailing Youth World Championships next week followed by Texas for the defence of her class world title.

“I’m just focussing on my processes and on my own sailing and not at results too much – but obviously a win would be great,” she said.

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Although Ireland is a very cold and wet nation, it is not traditionally very snowy and it may surprise many that we have a strong winter sports program.

Born in Donegal, raised in Clare, schooled at King's Hos, Ireland's downhill skier Pat McMillan (@mcwindy) is raring to go at the Winter Olympics. pic.twitter.com/kNuEE2ACWz

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 10, 2018

Where it all began

We officially began our icy journey back in 1988 when English-born businessman Larry Tracey became infatuated with the sport of bobsleigh. Both his parents were Irish and after getting lessons from his wife, he wished to make a team to travel to the Games in Calgary.

Although they qualified, the Irish Olympic Council withdrew the team 10 days before the competitions start. A court injunction could not help with Tracey’s dream and he would have to wait four more years.

Ireland sent two pair-bobsleigh teams to Albertville made of Pat McDonagh and Terry McHugh as well as Gerry Macken and Malachy Sheridan. These teams would go on to finish 32nd and 38th out of 46 crews in an impressive debut for Tracey’s men.

Team Ireland would then continue to send between four and six athletes to all of the subsequent Winter Games.

In 1994, we sent our first four-man sleigh team and skiing competitor.

The Salt Lake City Games in 2002 would be Ireland’s most successful and storied competition. Tamsen McGarry was our first female athlete at the games and at 43 years old, Paul O’Connor was not just the first cross-country skier but also the oldest ever competitor in that event.

Most notable was Clifton Hugh Lancelot de Verdon Wrottesley, 14th Baronet, 6th Baron Wrottesley who competed in the skeleton. He became a small celebrity after finishing in fourth place, 0.42 seconds off a medal in the event. He would later become a successful coach of the Irish team in later years.

In 2010, Ireland sent their first women’s bobsleigh team to the Vancouver Games. Aoife Hoey and Claire Bergin would finish in a very respectable 17th place.

At the 2014 Sochi Games in Russia, Utahn Seamus O’Connor was the first Irish athlete to debut in the snowboarding events. He would rank 17th overall in the slopestyle and 15th in the halfpipe.

Cork-born Bubba Newton became the first qualifier in freestyle skiing at the last Winter Games in Pyeongchang.

The Ireland Winter Olympics team parading at today's opening ceremony. Best of luck to all involved. #Sochi2014 pic.twitter.com/o47lDuvwza

— Snooker Fans Ireland (@SportsFansEire) February 7, 2014

Who are our athletes with the next chance to win a medal?

Now there are a few athletes preparing and qualifying for our eighth edition of the Winter Olympics, next year in China.

There are currently three Irish athletes qualified for the next Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. The IOC will send two athletes (man and woman) as part of the Alpine skiing team and one man as part of Cross-country skiing.

The Beijing 2022 Games will commence on the 4th of February until the 20th of February.

With less than 250 days to the Winter Olympics I am pushing myself as hard as possible and finding new heights from within.

Help Ireland get to the Beijing winter games by donating to the link below, your help goes further than you think https://t.co/uUu3moDKCC pic.twitter.com/3Zqd8iLbzw

— Brendan Doyle (@facedoyle) June 2, 2021

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Irish sports news, click here.

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Niamh McCarthy has called time on her Paralympic career at the age of 27. The Cork woman was best known as Ireland’s leading discus throwers.

She competed in the F40/41 classification as an athlete with reduced stature.

The discus thrower first broke onto the international scene in 2013 and progressed quickly on the world stage. She secured her first major medal at the World Championships in Doha where she won the Bronze medal.

The Carrigaline native never looked back after that first taste of podium success and replicated it with a World Championship medal in 2017 and again in 2019. McCarthy has also triumphed at the European level as she won silver in 2016 but better was to follow in 2019 when she became European champion for the first time.

Thanks everyone for the kind words over the last days! Tokyo2020 was a whirlwind of emotion but I wouldn’t change a thing! Also want to say a massive thank you to my longtime sponsor @FlogasIreland who have supported me for years and made this journey that bit easier! Arigato! pic.twitter.com/0VQmcla9dy

— Niamh McCarthy (@niamhmacdiscus) September 6, 2021

Her crowning moment came in 2016 when she competed for Team Ireland at the Rio 2016 Games.

McCarthy certainly saved her best for the biggest stage as she produced a staggering throw of 27:05m to record a new personal best in the event which secured the Cork
woman the silver medal.

She now finishes her career with many medals and records under her belt;  two European golds, one silver; one World silver, two bronze; and one Olympic silver. She also owns the European record for discus throw since August 2018 with a distance of 31.76 meters.

What a Games! We will miss you, Japan

Arigatō Tokyo 2020 ありがとう#Paris2024 we’ll be ready! #TeamIreland | #TheNextLevel pic.twitter.com/dDC0l7skaB

— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) September 5, 2021

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Paralympic and Irish sports news, click here.

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Since making her international debut in 2007, the Drumquin native has gone on to play 316 times, a caps record for both hockey and for female sportswomen in general in Ireland.

A diminutive defender with an eye for a glorious long pass, a teak-tough competitor willing to contest every opponent and situation. Her passion and perseverance stand her out as one of the iconic faces of the Green Army’s rise.

A rise that has brought them from obscurity to the world’s elite levels, a journey culminating in the 2018 World Cup silver medal and a maiden appearance for the Irish women at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Where did McCay come from?

Her beginnings in the sport came at Omagh Academy, picking up the basics of the game in jig-time, breaking into the senior team at the school when she was just 14.

At Omagh Hockey Club, her development was overseen with Anne Buchanan, Iris Nelson, and June Graham crucial figures who became almost ever-present supporters at European Championships.

It helped propel her to new heights on the club front, first with Randalstown and then with Ulster Elks, KHC Dragons in Belgium, Old Alex, and then to Pegasus where she became an EY Champions Trophy winner.

Gene Muller invited her onto the international stage at the age of 18 for a series in Stellenbosch in January 2007. Since then, she has been virtually ever-present, missing just 37 of Ireland’s capped games in 14 and a half years.

Those early days were tough at times with Olympic and World Cup qualifications proving well out of reach.

“In my early career, beating New Zealand in New Zealand [Wellington, 2008] was a special memory. Anytime we could get the better of someone above was a special moment and that was unheard of at the time. Thankfully it became more regular over time but I will never forget that.

“Another eye-opener was playing Argentina in Parana [in 2011] and about 10,000 people must have shown up and gave us an incredible reception. It’s things like that which stay with you, not always the big results but those amazing moments.

During those early years, she hails the likes of Eimear Cregan, Linda Caulfield, Cathy McKean and Bridget Cleland for bringing her under their wing.

She remembers McKean “just telling me how class I was” at some early sessions, adding to “get something like that from such a good player was special” to hear.

Shirley McCay will win her win her 300th cap in the first leg of the Olympic qualifying double-header against Canada this evening – a special landmark on what could be a very special weekend. Watch the game live on @RTE2 from 6.30pm #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/Jxr4DCZnHm

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 2, 2019

The success they deserved

The breakthrough finally arrived with the World League in 2017, fighting back to beat India to earn a place in the 2018 World Cup.

Many thought that would be her last run out in an Irish jersey before the silver medal run changed everything for everyone involved.

“Getting over the Rio disappointment, it kind of felt like there would never be a bigger stage to go out on a high. Then things turned out the way they did, a way no one expected it to. With the silver medal, it gave us a much better ranking and a chance to qualify for the Olympics. I did not want to leave with any regrets for me or the team having come so far.”

That dream was realized in November 2019 with qualification in front of a record crowd at Donnybrook Stadium.

Those fixtures took on an extra significance as they marked her 300th cap while she cites walking out and signing the anthem with her nephew Alex as an extra special moment.

Her efforts in the background went on for an extra year due to the Covid-19 pandemic before eventually coming to fruition in July this year.

The side started off in brilliant fashion, breaking their duck with a historic 2-0 win over South Africa. Ultimately, a vital second win proved elusive and their campaign ended in the group stages.

“We were disappointed in regards to reaching our main target of reaching the quarter-finals. We had the capability of doing it but each team had those same dreams and that it why this is the toughest tournament.

“Sure, the outcome was disappointing but the whole Olympic experience was filled with massive bucket-list moments.”

And then, she realised.

She didn’t need a medal.

She’d already won pic.twitter.com/087yIVUd9i

— Shirley McCay (@shirleymccay) August 8, 2021

What will the hockey star do now?

She dove straight back into camps in her role as an Ulster Hockey Talent Coach and, last weekend, she was part of the coaching staff that saw Ulster win double-gold at the UK Schools Games. And she is thrilled at the prospect of inspiring the next generation on that front.

“Ulster Hockey have been so sympathetic to me and my international career, letting me do bits and pieces in between when I was away. I have been so used to trying to balance playing internationally and the role.

“So I am really looking forward to going all-in, committing to the job and making a difference, helping Ulster’s young talent develop and play to their potential.”

That role leaves her now in a peaceful position to step away from the international stage. She has paid tribute to her network who helped propel her to such spectacular heights.

“I am indebted to a few people who without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today. My friends, family, and loved ones, thanks for putting up with me being grumpy and rarely being around.

“To the coaches, I have had throughout my career, I have learned so much from you all.

“And finally, to every teammate, I have ever had the pleasure of playing with, thanks for putting up with me. It has been an honor.”

"Just 1⃣8⃣ little girls from villages across the island of Ireland, representing Ireland on the biggest stage."

It's been some journey to the #Olympics for @irishhockey& @shirleymccay

More https://t.co/20bCCr73Z9 pic.twitter.com/Pkl8k0Gs6v

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) August 2, 2021

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BOOM!! 3rd medal of the #Paralympics for @KatieGDunlevy & @evemccrystal !! https://t.co/v3b4FOUikF

— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) September 3, 2021

Katie George-Dunleavy, Eve McCrystal – Women’s B Road Race

This has already been an amazing Paralympics for the Irish pair having won gold already earlier in the week. After hearing the national anthem while atop the podium, the two seemed excited to do it again.

This tough race set off at 05:00 this morning Irish time. Dunleavy and McCrystal showed their strength on the road in the time trial and this would be no difference and they continuously stayed near the top of the pack with its changing leaders and bursts from behind.

Just before the halfway mark of the 92.4km race, the Irish pair had themselves in a great position in the leading pack with the damp conditions not affecting them.

The race became more hectic in the final 12km lap. The Irish women were in the top three, competing with Team GB and the Swedish athletes.

They showed their true quality and fitness to break out in front over the last few kilometers. They brought the gold medal home in the Road Race with a time of 2:35:53.

This is now their third medal at these Paralympic Games and it marks them as one of the greatest tandem teams to compete in the sport.

GOLD Go on @KatieGDunlevy & @evemccrystal #Paralympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/73bbTabt0r

— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) September 3, 2021

Ronan Grimes – Men’s C4-5 Road Race

The Galway man was one of 25 riders in this long 92 km race. He came in this event searching for silverware with this being his third and final event.

Grimes’ race set off at 01:30 Irish time, with all racers going at a hectic pace to make it to the top and set the tempo.

As the race progressed, the Irishman had dropped to the back of the main group of riders, it was clear that this event is harder for cyclists without a partner from the same nation.

Grimes finished the race in 11th position with a time of 2:29:21

Richael Timothy – Women’s C1-3 Road Race

Timothy started only six minutes after Grimes’ event as she lined up with 14 other riders. This was the Irish woman’s fourth race at a busy Paralympics having broken personal bests in earlier events

Using some good riding, she remained off the top group of cyclists for the majority of the race. The tough wet conditions made it hard for each rider, making the race much more compact and steadier.

The 26-year-old finished the race in the 11th position with a time of 1:21:22.

As Ronan prepares for the off here is Richael Timothy on the rollers. #ParaCycling #paralympics #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/SZnjaB4Juk

— Cycling Ireland (@CyclingIreland) September 3, 2021

Martin Gordon, Aidan Byrne – Men’s B Road Race

This was set to be a long and tough race for the Irish pair lining up against some top-class opponents. This would be the pair’s fourth and final event at these Paralympic Games.

Unfortunately, today was not going to be the glory finish for the Irish tandem team as the weather conditions continued to get worse. The heavy downpour of rain led to Gordon and Byrne withdrawing a little over two hours into the race.

It is not the ending that the Sligo and Dublin men would have wanted but they leave these Games after breaking personal best times and setting a new Irish record.

Also in #ParaCycling Martin Gordon and Eamonn Byrne finished fifth in the B 1000m Time Trial Final following their PB time of 1:01.545.@AllianzIreland #Tokyo2020 #TeamIreland #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/QDaITnefQS

— Pundit Arena (@PunditArena) August 28, 2021

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Patrick Flanagan – S6 100m Backstroke Heat 2

This is Flanagan’s second race of his debut Paralympic games. Yesterday he finished in seventh place in the 400m Freestyle.

This morning, the Sligo man was hoping to build on that performance in the Backstroke. After watching a very strong opening heat, Flanagan would take part in the second race.

#ParaSwimming Patrick Flanagan becomes a Paralympian at #Tokyo2020 – Patrick finished 7th place in the S6 400 Freestyle with a time of 5:40.48.

He will return to action tomorrow for the S6 100m Backstroke.#TeamIreland | #TheNextLevel | #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/xSxnnWmVir

— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) September 2, 2021

The Irish swimmer started the race in the water in lane seven with six other very strong swimmers. The outside lanes are normally the hardest places to start a race and he struggled to keep up with the leaders in the beginning.

Flanagan started to speed up before the only turn and he jumped up to fifth place. He held his position for the remainder of the race, not able to find the extra gear needed to scare the event favorites.

The Irishman hit the wall in a time of 1:26.81, this was unfortunately not enough for him to progress to the finals later today.

#ParaSwimming Patrick Flanagan wrapped up #Tokyo2020 for #TeamIreland Swim Team this morning

Patrick swam a time of 1:26.81 in the S6 100m Backstroke Heat. #TeamIreland | #TheNextLevel pic.twitter.com/mCn61MxKXQ

— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) September 3, 2021

The end of the event concludes Flanagan’s Paralympic journey in Tokyo but as a young debutant, he still has many years ahead of him and Paris is only three years away.

He has done his coach David Malone and the people of Rosses point proud with two strong races as part of a historic Irish Paralympic team.

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Pat O’Leary – Men’s 200m KL3 semifinal

This is Pat O’Leary’s third race at the Paralympic Games. His journey began yesterday as he competed well in two opening heats, the Va’a and the Kayak.

He finished in fifth place in his heat for this event the last day but knows he will need to kick it up a notch to qualify for the final. The 48-year-old will want to improve on his best Paralympic result after finishing in sixth place overall in Rio de Janeiro 2016.

#ThrowbackThursday
⁣
⁣Pat O’Leary in action during the KL3 200m Final at Lagoa Stadium during the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Patrick was the first Irish canoeist to compete at a Paralympic Games
⁣
⁣#TeamIreland #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/q7bjoR2pX5

— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) October 15, 2020

He started this short, fast race in lane three with five other racers. The top three racers would qualify for the A final while the next three would to put in the B final.

The race got off to a hectic start with each paddle forcing the water back and the kayaks glided over the water. O’Leary maintained a strong speed that kept him in touching distance with the fastest racers.

Unfortunately, the Cork man’s impressive performance was not enough to qualify for the A final only half a second behind Germany’s Tom Kierey.

He finished in fourth place with a time of 42.203 and would go into the B final.

#ParaCanoe | #TeamIreland

Pat O'Leary #TheNextLevel | #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/ixlK2EPugl

— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) September 1, 2021

There was very little turnaround between the semifinals and finals. Only an hour later, O’Leary lined out in lane four as one of the fastest competitors in the race.

He finished this race in a time of 42.416 seconds and this meant that he finished in an overall position of ninth for the kayak event.

It was a good day for O’Leary but he will hope to go one step further as he goes into the Va’a semifinals tomorrow morning.

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