2016 Paralympic silver medallist Niamh McCarthy has announced her retirement.
The discus competitor retires as European champion, having taken the title in 2021.
She also won the European crown in 2018 and collected bronze medals in 2015 and 2019.
The Cork native also succeeded at World Championships level, having won silver in 2017 and bronze two years later.
Her final appearance came at the Tokyo Games, where she finished fifth.
Paralympic silver medallist Niamh McCarthy has today announced her retirement from Paralympic Sport.
The two time Paralympian has called time on a brilliant career in the throwing circle.
Paralympic Games 🥈
Worlds 🥈🥉🥉
Europeans 🥇🥇🥈
Best of luck and thank you, Niamh☘️ pic.twitter.com/WYK4B76boe— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) October 28, 2021
"Now is the right time for me to step away from the sport having competed on the biggest stage in Tokyo one last time," the 27-year-old said, confirming her decision.
"I have loved every minute of it, I have made great friends, seen some wonderful places, and reached heights that I could only imagine when I turned up to a talent ID day back in 2013.
"I am now going to concentrate on my own life and career away from the throwing circle but I will always have a keen interest and love for Paralympic Sport."
McCarthy also added her thanks to the many people that supported her during her career.
President of Paralympics Ireland, Niamh McCarthy, paid tribute to the Carrigaline woman.
"Niamh has represented her country with distinction and has provided some wonderful moments along the way. I would like to congratulate Niamh on a fantastic career and, on behalf of all in Paralympics Ireland, I would like to wish her all the best in the future.’’
Dave Malone, High Performance Director at Paralympics Ireland, added: "Niamh McCarthy has had an excellent career as one of the very best discus throwers in the world.
"She has achieved on the biggest stage at multiple European and World Championships along with winning silver at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
"Paralympics Ireland will now work closely with Niamh to help her transition away from sport and provide all the supports that she may need for her next chapter.’
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