Further recognition
THERE was further recognition for the remarkable exploits of local cyclist Eve McCrystal before Christmas when the Jenkinstown native and Katie-George Dunleavy were honoured at The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year Awards following their tremendous performance at the Paralympics in Rio during the summer.
The duo won gold in the Road Time Trial – finishing 33 seconds ahead of Japan - and silver in the Road Race, contributing handsomely to the Irish tally of four gold, four silver and three bronze.
Their achievement was all the more impressive given the pair only raced together for the first time in April 2014. After a very promising debut – they came fifth at the Track World Championships in Mexico – they were hopeful there were good times ahead and they definitely delivered on those hopes in Rio.
McCrystal, a mother of two girls aged 7 and 6, competes as a pilot for Dunleavy, who at the age of eleven, Dunlevy was diagnosed with the eye disease, Retinitous Pigmentosa (RP). RP is a chronic hereditary eye disease in which abnormalities of the photoreceptors of the retina lead to progressive visual loss. Her achievements are all the more notable given she only took up cycling five years ago, having previously rowed for Great Britain.
Established in 2004, the aim of the Sportswoman of the Year