“It’s just fantastic isn’t it lads?”
Viewers were loving the family of Irish Paralympic sprinter Orla Comerford for their interview on RTÉ following her bronze medal on Tuesday.
Orla won bronze for Ireland in the T13 100m final at the Stade de France, which was Ireland’s second bronze medal of the night following Róisín Ní Ríain’s excellent swim in La Defence Arena.
A huge crowd of Orla’s family and friends were on board to celebrate after the race, with RTÉ’s Darren Frehill putting the microphone to them.
Parents Ger and Siobhan were first asked how they were feeling after the incredible race, with Siobhan saying they were “absolutely euphoric”.
“Years and years of hard work, six days a week, injuries, rehab, injury, rehab,” she added.
“And she’s now here and she has now got her medal. We’re so incredibly proud of her.”
Ger added that his fingernails were “chewed to bits” after the nerves of the occasion.
“It’s just unreal,” he added. “The excitement, the buzz, the support, it has just been unreal. And she deserves every bit of it.
“She has worked so hard for it over the years, has had great support from everyone around her and it’s just fantastic isn’t it lads?”
"I don't doubt there is more in me" – Orla Comerford already looking to improve after winning a bronze in the 100m T13 #RTEparalympics #paris2024
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Orla Comerford’s family give heartwarming interview following Paralympics medal win
Orla’s brothers Morgan and Gavin were also on hand to say how proud they were of their sister.
“I’ve lost the voice already and it’s only just starting the night,” said Gavin, adding that he was “incredibly proud.”
Morgan also said: “We all know how hard she works day in, day out and she deserves it and no-one works harder.”
The brothers also showed off their custom bucket hats with Orla’s face printed all over it, that were “more expensive than the flight over”.
The final question was about where they would celebrate that night, with the large group answering ‘O’Sullivan’s!’ in unison, referring to the popular bar frequented by Irish Olympians and Paralympians in Paris.
Comerford herself said the bronze was “not the medal I dreamed of”, as she was aiming for top spot. However she admitted that the medal is “such a privilege.”
