THE Irish has received £100,000 from the Government towards the cost the Irish team's participation the Paralympic Games in Atlanta this August.

The latest grant, which announced by the Sport, Bernard Allen, in yesterday, is double the previously announced public for the team which is to number about 50 competitors.

The earlier funding had been aimed at helping competitors with their preparations for Games, which follow immediately after the Olympics are expected to attract more than 3,500 athletes from over 100 countries.

Pictured above, the Minister (left) is joined by Michael Cunningham, Patrice Dockery and Natasha Phillips for the announcement of the grant.