Move Over Katie Taylor: Swimmer Bethany Firth Brings Home Gold for Ireland at the Paralympics

Move over Katie Taylor – there’s another gold medallist in town! Who are we talking about? Well her name is Bethany Firth, and last night she won the gold for Ireland at the Paralympics.

The 16-year old from county Down won the 100m backstroke S14 event and added another gold medal to Ireland’s collection.

Immediately after her race, Bethany received a mountain of congratulations and praise from some well-known Irish faces.

“I warmly congratulate Bethany Firth on her wonderful success in winning a gold medal for Ireland this evening,” said President Michael D Higgins last night.

“The fact that Bethany is so young makes her achievement all the more remarkable. Bethany’s gold medal is a fantastic start to the Paralympics for Team Ireland and will greatly encourage her fellow paralympians. I wish all our paralympian athletes every success over the coming days,” he added.

Bethany checks her result following her race.

Comedian Dara O’Briain was also on hand to express his congratulations to the teenager. He took to Twitter shortly after Bethany’s race and tweeted: “Yay for this, by the way…” before retweeting her result.

“Another Irish woman wins Gold. The brilliant Bethany Firth!” said PJ Gallagher.

Meanwhile, the father of Ellen Keane, another Paralympics swimmer, has revealed his pride at watching his daughter compete with the best in the world.

Ellen, who is from Clontarf in Dublin, was born with no arm below her left elbow and she surprised everyone by claiming a place for herself in the final of the 100 metre butterfly.

“I cannot express how happy we are as a family for our daughter to be getting the attention she deserves,” he said.

“Ellen has worked very hard for the last four years,” she added.

We don’t know about you, but here at Her.ie we will definitely be cheering on Team Ireland as they continue to compete!