Tipperary coach was instrumental figure in remarkable achievements

In the world of sport, the athletes who claim victory are often celebrated as the faces of triumph. 

Yet, behind every medal, every record-breaking performance and personal best is a dedicated coach, whose expertise and commitment play a crucial role in that success. 

In the case of the sport of paracycling, last year's Paralympic Games were no exception, with Clonmel man Jamie Blanchfield leading Team Ireland to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and proving to be an instrumental figure in the remarkable achievements of his athletes. 

Jamie, who himself is a cyclist for Panduit Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club in Carrick-on-Suir, is currently the Cycling Ireland National Paracycling Coach.

Under his guidance, the paracycling team secured an impressive haul of medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games—one gold and two silvers across three different cycling events. 

When taken into account that Team Ireland took home a total of six medals at the Paralympic Games and three of those medals were achieved by paracycling, it speaks volumes about the exceptional impact Jamie has had as a coach. 

Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal powered their way to a silver medal, while Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly won gold and silver, showcasing Jamie's ability to bring out the very best in his athletes when it mattered most.

Jamie will be honoured for those achievements with an Annerville award, sponsored by Bulmers, which will be presented by the Tipperary United Sports Panel at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel on Saturday night, January 25.

Tickets for the event are available from Sports Panel member Ken Conway, email conwayken@eircom.net

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