Aidan Corbett
Team Ireland paralympian Damien Vereker was honoured with a Mayoral Reception at City Hall this week.
The Larchville man represented his country at the most recent Paralympic Games in Paris.
6 September 2024; Damien Vereker, right, and pilot Mitchell McLaughlin of Ireland during the Men's B road race on day nine of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at Clichy-sous- Bois in Paris, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Vereker was joined by family and friends at the event.
Asked on how it felt to be acknowledged in this regard, Vereker said:
"It's just great to be getting the recognition. To have the support of all the communities in Waterford and the sports clubs, business community, locals, it's just an amazing honour to be brought in here."
He says that the moment is a real honour and that is was great to be getting recognition for the hard work he has put in over the years.
The two-time Paralympian admitted it has been nice to have a break since returning from Paris.
"I couldn't believe how exhausted I was. It's been great to be able to get time to spend with family and friends," he said.
Waterford City and County Mayor, Jason Murphy said local people like Damien Vereker inspire people and that it is important to honour people in this way.
"I hope he'd inspire other people from the area to get into whatever sport they wish to get into, to get over the challenges I suppose that we all face in life and Damien has faced more challenges than most, but he's surmounted them and he's become a huge success in his sport. So that's inspiring stuff."
The Fianna Fáil Councillor elaborated on the character of Damien Vereker.
"He's a lovely person. He's a very modest person. At the start, I think he was a bit taken aback by it. It's nice to see nice people like Damien do well," he said.
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