Ireland’s winning streak continues in track, horse-riding

Team Ireland has won a further seven medals at the 2015 Special Olympics in Los Angeles, bringing to 22 the number of medal's secured by the Irish team at this year's summer games.

Athletics athlete Rachel Ryan won a gold medal in the 400m track, while Frances Power secured another gold in table tennis.

Ryan (26) from Templemore in Tipperary, who also posted a personal best time in the race, said she was very excited about her win.

“I’m so happy and excited, I didn’t think I was going to come first but I guess when you don’t think a thing it ends up happening.”

The Team Ireland equestrian team also walked away with four medals - two gold, one silver and one bronze. Dearbhail Savage (15) from Mowhan in Co Armagh came first in her section at the LA Equestrian Centre, while 37-year-old Elizabeth Mair from Rathfarnham in Dublin also won gold. Thomas Connolly (38) from Coolaney, Co Sligo won a silver medal for the equestrian team and John Deevy from Kilmeadan claimed a bronze medal.

James Meenan (20) from Dundalk also brought success to the team after he won the bronze medal in the 200m track at Loker Stadium in USC.

Ailish Smyth, head athletics coach, said she was thrilled with the performance of her athletes.

“In 30 degree heat, our athletics athletes are excelling with numerous personal bests, which is incredible and the medals have just topped it off,” said Smyth. “I cannot believe they are running out of their skin and achieving personal bests. It’s excellent. James ran fantastic at super speed. It’s so thrilling to see them all in action.”

Frances Power (52) from Navan, Co Meath picked up Wednesday's final gold medal in the singles section of the Table Tennis competition.

Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, congratulated the athletes on their success at the LA games so far.

“The level of personal bests and medals has been utterly fantastic,” said English. “The travelling Irish support at each and every venue is also immense and I know our athletes are benefitting from all the cheers and goodwill on display.”

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring congratulated the athletes on their “tremendous achievement” in the games so far.

“The 88 Irish athletes have put so much work in and I want to wish them all the best for the rest of the games,” said the Minister. “I want to particularly thank the volunteers and managers who are supporting the athletes at the games. Without volunteers in all codes and sports throughout the country we would have no sport. I am sure they are all very proud of the competitors who continue to do the country proud.”

The 2015 Special Olympics run until August 2nd in Los Angeles with Team Ireland competing in 12 different sports.