Paralympian Orla Comerford, a member of Raheny Shamrocks, is gearing up to represent Ireland in the T13 100-meter race at the Paralympics in Paris. Her coach, Mick Hynes, is brimming with confidence, already picturing the jubilant welcome awaiting her back in Dublin.
Orla's journey to the Paralympics is a testament to her unwavering determination and passion for the sport. She began running with Raheny Shamrock at the tender age of six, and now, two decades later, she stands poised to make her mark on the international stage.
Her path hasn't been without its challenges. Orla lives with Stargardt’s disease, a degenerative condition that impacts her central vision. Despite the diagnosis, she pressed on, making her Paralympic debut in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 18, where she finished eighth in the T13 100m final.
Since then, Orla has consistently risen to the occasion. In 2017, she secured a sixth-place finish in the World Championships final in London. The following year, she brought home two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m races at the European Championships in Berlin.
Her recent performance at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships solidified her place on the Paralympic stage. She clinched an automatic spot for the Paris 2024 Games with a fourth-place finish in a nail-biting final that went down to the wire.
A True Inspiration
Orla's commitment to the sport is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, especially the young women at her club. Hynes spoke about the impact Orla has on the young athletes in Raheny Shamrock. “Our juvenile athletes love talking to her when she’s at the track. We have a large number of female athletes in their teens, and they’ve seen everything that Orla has achieved, it drives them to keep turning up for training,” he said.
Hynes also shared insights into Orla's training regimen and the sacrifices she makes to pursue her athletic dreams. “It doesn’t happen overnight; Orla has worked very hard for this over the last number of years. It shows them, with consistency and luck, you can go places,” he said. He also touched upon the significance of the support system that Orla has, mentioning how her coach, Brian Corcoran, played a pivotal role in her early athletic development.
A Moment to Remember
Orla's commitment to her sport is evident in her dedication to training. In addition to her athletic pursuits, she works part-time at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, demonstrating her multi-faceted nature. Her coach, Mick Hynes, is confident in her abilities and is already visualizing the triumphant homecoming awaiting Orla in Dublin. “The kids are back in school, but they’ll all be glued to the TV when Orla is on. When she comes back, I can already see the Raheny flags in the terminal of Dublin Airport. There’ll be a massive party for Orla when she gets back, no doubt about that,” Hynes said.
Orla's story is a powerful reminder that dedication and perseverance can pave the way to success. Her journey to the Paralympics in Paris is one that will be followed closely by her supporters back home, who are eager to witness her triumph on the world stage.
A Raheny Hero
On Tuesday, September 3, Orla will take to the track in Paris. Her first heat in the T13 100m is scheduled for 10 am, with the final set for 7.08 pm that evening. The excitement is palpable, and everyone is looking forward to seeing Orla showcase her talent and determination on the international stage. As she steps onto the track, she will not only be representing herself but also carrying the hopes and aspirations of her entire community, particularly the young girls at Raheny Shamrock who look up to her as an inspiration.
Hynes’s words paint a vibrant picture of the welcome awaiting Orla back in Ireland, with Raheny flags waving proudly at the Dublin Airport. Her journey to the Paralympics has been an inspiring one, and her success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes.
