THOMAS Byrne TD, Minister of State at Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Sport and Physical Education) and TD for Meath East, travelled to the Château de Versailles last Friday to watch the Irish para dressage team compete in the team competition at the Paralympic Games, where they finish 10th.

The Minister met with the team and backroom staff. “Fantastic to meet some of our para-equestrian team at Versailles today mid-competition, with their families and friends. Kate Kerr-Horan, Michael Murphy, Jessica McKenna and Sarah Slattery are all representing us with distinction,” he wrote on social media.

Minister Byrne also said that he would be requesting Sport Ireland to appoint a Disability in Sport Lead, similar to their Women in Sport Lead. “Everybody, including those with disabilities, must be able to participate in sport (and compete at elite levels) and I firmly believe this role will make a huge difference,” he added.