The Paralympic success of Portarlington’s Nicole Turner was an incredible moment in 2021.
And she was formally honoured by Laois County Council on Thursday night.
Joined by family members and friends, Turner was the focal point of a reception in the council chamber hosted by Cathaoirleach Conor Bergin where his achievements were acknowledged by the local authority.
She won silver in the S6 50m butterfly at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Turner qualified for the final with the second fastest time and backed up that form to land her spot on the podium, finishing in second place behind world record holder Yuyan Jiang of China.
Turner won a silver medal at last year’s Paralympic Games in Tokyo and was treated to a hero’s reception when she returned home.
And with Covid restrictions now eased, council events are now possible again for those that achieve greatly as the Portarlington woman did last year.
You can check out a selection of images from the council event, taken by photographer Michael Scully.
Jenny Turner ( seated), Peg Story, Joe Gorman and Eileen Jones. Photo: Michael ScullyPenny and Michael Moore with Nicole. Photo: Michael ScullyMaura and Jim Shaw with Nicole. Photo: Michael ScullyJohn and Breda McCormack, Jim and Maura Shaw. Photo: Michael ScullySeated: Penny and Michael Moore and Ray McEvoy. Back: Breda and Sean Tobin, Ursula Fitzpatrick and Breda Casy. Photo: Michael Scully
Sean Donoghue, Nicole Turner and Grace Hayes. Photo: Michael ScullyNicole Turner (Tokyo Silver Medal Winner) with her parents , Jason and Bernie Photo: Michael ScullySeated: Dave Malone ( Performance Director, Paralympic Ireland ), Nicole Turner ( Medal Winner ) and Hayley Burkre ( Coach ). Back: Niamh Buffini ( S & C Coach), Ciara O’Connor,( Physiology ), Miriam Malone ( C.E.O. Paralympic Ireland ), Sarah Hurley (Team Manager) and Neasa Russell (Chef de Mission -Paralympic Team). Photo: Michael Scully.Nicole Turner (Tokyo Silver Medal Winner) with Emer Mathews ( Nicole’s coach at Portarlington Pool) at the Reception in her honour at County Hall . Photo: Michael ScullyNicole Turner (Tokyo Silver Medal Winner) with her family at the Reception in her honour at County Hall . Photo: Michael ScullyNicole Turner (Tokyo Silver Medal Winner) with Cathaoirleach, Conor Bergin Photo: Michael ScullyPhoto: Michael ScullyPhoto: Michael ScullyPhoto: Michael Scully
