Event held to celebrate athlete

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has held a reception to mark the achievements of Paralympian Michael McKillop.
Paralympian Michael McKillop pictured with his parents Paddy and Cathryn and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey. PICTURE KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA/CCGBCParalympian Michael McKillop pictured with his parents Paddy and Cathryn and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey. PICTURE KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA/CCGBC
Paralympian Michael McKillop pictured with his parents Paddy and Cathryn and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey. PICTURE KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA/CCGBC

The event with the Glengormley athlete took place on Wednesday, March 22 in Portnagree House in Ballycastle.

Michael holds four Paralympic gold medals, with his most recent victory coming at the Rio Games last year.

The Newtownabbey man stormed home in the T37 1,500 metre race in a time of 4.12.11 to seal gold for Team Ireland at the games in Brazil in September 2016.

Michael clinched his first after winning the 800m in Beijing in 2008, and followed this up with a double gold win at the London games in 2012.

The Mayor, Ald Maura Hickey, said: “Michael is a true inspiration to us, and I was honoured to host this reception for him.

“To win four gold Paralympic medals, over an eight year period, is a fantastic achievement. I would also like to commend his father Paddy for everything he has done to help Michael achieve his dreams.”

The SDLP representative added: “It is clear from speaking to Michael that he is completely focused and committed to his sport, and he is truly deserving of the success he has experienced so far.

“Michael was also kind enough to let me try on one of his medals during the reception. But while I’ll be giving my gold back at the end of my term as Mayor, Michael will always have his as a reminder of his success.”