Special Reception For St Ita’s And St Joseph’s Golden Girl

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Cliona Palmer, shows off her European Special Olympics with her Mom, Pat Palmer. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.

Cliona Palmer, shows off her European Special Olympics with her Mom, Pat Palmer. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THERE was a fantastic reception at St Ita’s and St Joseph’s school in Balloonagh today (Wednesday) for the return of student, Cliona Palmer, who scooped gold and silver medals at the European Summer Special Olympics in Belgium.

Cliona picked up gold in the shot-putt and a silver medal in the 100m event.

“Coming home it has been strange dealing with all the attention, but I have been enjoying it. I was delighted when I won the medals,” said Cliona from Killarney.

Proud mother, Pat Palmer, was “over the moon” at her daughter’s success for Ireland in Belgium.

“The atmosphere was electric, there was just so much to take in, we had excitement and tears as well! said Pat Palmer.

“I was nervous, but also immensely happy to see my daughter represent her country,” said Pat.

St Ita’s and St Joseph’s Principal, Grace Sheehan, spoke about the happiness in the school following Cliona’s successes.

“She put an awful lot of time and effort into her training and it has paid off, we’re all very happy to congratulate her for what she has achieved,” said Grace.

There was also the added bonus for Cliona that while she was out flying the flag in Belgium, Mom Pat, collected Cliona’s Junior Cert results and relayed the message to that she had done “fantastic”.

“All round she has put in a lot of effort over the last few years, she’s a credit to her mom and she is a credit to the school,” said Grace.

Winner of a Gold and a Silver medal at the 2014 European Summer Olympics in Belgium, Cliona Power, gets a heroes welcome at St Ita's and St Joesph school. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.

Winner of Gold and Silver medals at the 2014 European Summer Olympics in Belgium, Cliona Palmer, gets a great welcome at St Ita’s and St Joseph’s school. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

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