Paralympics Ireland announced today that the President of Cycling Ireland, Denis Toomey, would be the Chef de Mission for the Irish Paralympic team for the 2016 Games in Rio.
The role will involve managing the team, and overseeing the operational preparation and participation of Team Ireland at the games.
The Cork man, was elected as President of Cycling Ireland at the 2013 AGM, having previously served on the board. Toomey has extensive experience working the Irish Paralympics cycling team, initially as a pilot for one of the competing tandems. He subsequently managed the team to great success at the Beijing and London games
Liam Harbison, Chief Executive of Paralympics Ireland stated; “On behalf of the Board and staff of Paralympics Ireland we congratulate Denis on his appointment to this key role on our journey to the Paralympic Games. On a personal note I’m delighted to be handing over the baton from the London Games and look forward to supporting Denis in any way I can over the coming two years.”
Toomey was delighted with the news, saying “I’m so proud and honoured to have been appointed to lead the Irish team for the next Paralympic Games in 2016. I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead and excited about supporting the athletes and staff in preparation and qualification for Rio, and of course at the Games.”
