The Department of Sport and Exercise Science at South East Technological University (SETU) hosted a special event celebrating graduate Linda Kelly’s extraordinary sporting achievements, including her gold and silver medals at the Paris Paralympic Games.
The event, held on Wednesday, 26 February at SETU’s Cork Road Campus in Waterford, welcomed students, staff, and sports enthusiasts to honour Linda’s remarkable journey.
Impressive record
Linda, from New Ross, Co Wexford is a graduate of Health and Exercise Science and competes as a tandem pilot in both road and track cycling. Her impressive record includes double gold at the 2023 UCI World Championships alongside Katie-George Dunlevy and a UCI World Championship victory as pilot to Josephine Healion. More recently, she secured gold and silver at the Paris Paralympic Games and successfully defended her UCI World Championship title with Katie-George Dunlevy in Zurich last September.
Behind every athlete is a great team
Linda was joined at the event by her support team, all of whom are graduates of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science at SETU’s Cork Road Campus in Waterford. Her support team includes Jamie Blanchfield, National Paralympic Coach and Paralympic Programme Lead at Cycling Ireland, David Tobin, Performance Nutritionist at Sport Ireland Institute, Richard Doyle, Performance Operations Manager and Deputy Chef de Mission at Paralympics Ireland and Darragh Whelan, High Performance Athlete Assistant at Cycling Ireland.
Additionally, Dr Cíara Losty and Dr Emma Saunders, both lecturers in the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, who supported the Irish Paralympic team during the Games, were also present.
Lasting impression
Dr Patrick Delaney, Lecturer in Sport Management at SETU, said it was a privilege to welcome Linda and her team to the University for this special occasion.
“Having graduated from SETU in 2015, Linda has left a lasting impression on staff, who remember her fondly as a dedicated student and a grounded and passionate athlete. We are delighted to welcome her back to SETU to celebrate her incredible sporting achievements,” commented Dr Delaney.
Linda and her team are not only outstanding ambassadors for Ireland but also for SETU, and we are immensely proud of their success.
Dr Patrick Delaney Lecturer in Sport Management at SETU
“Hearing Linda and her team share their journey to the Paralympic Games was inspiring, offering first-hand insights into their training, preparation, and competition at the highest level. Linda and her team are not only outstanding ambassadors for Ireland but also for SETU, and we are immensely proud of their success,” added Dr Delaney.
Inspiring for students
Reflecting on the event, Linda Kelly said it was wonderful to be back at SETU again. “I graduated from SETU in 2015 with a degree in Health and Exercise Science, and being back here today brings back so many great memories. Seeing the lecturers who once taught me and engaging with current students is amazing. As a former student, I know how inspiring it would have been to have a Paralympian visit and share their experiences—so I'm honoured to be here today.”
Strong foundation
Linda’s degree in Health and Exercise Science at SETU provided her with a strong foundation that she continues to apply in her athletic career.
“I applied a lot of what I learned in sports science to high performance. You really see the benefit of things when they come into practice. Having that experience in the background pushed me on more. I also had a good network of support here and could always reach out if I had any questions outside of my sport. It is fantastic to be back and to share my journey with everyone.”
The celebration offered students, staff, and sports enthusiasts a unique opportunity to gain deeper insight into the structures, systems, and support networks that drive elite athletic success in Ireland.
