Published Thursday, 30 August 2012
The first day of the 2012 Paralympic Games is underway. (© Getty)
On Thursday morning, Eilish Byrne achieved a promising score of 67.15% at the first equestrian event, riding her horse Youri.
Originally from Dundalk, Byrne is based in Armagh and represented Ireland at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.
She is the first member of Team Ireland to take part in this year's Games.
She is the most experience rider alongside teammates James Dwyer, Helen Kearney and Gerry Savage.
All four make up Ireland's first equestrian team to qualify for the Paralympics. The rest of the team compete on Friday.
Portaferry cyclist James Brown came through the qualifier after coming in fourth in the men's pursuit, but failed to make bronze in his later race.
Archer Sharon Vennard from Greyabbey has ranked joint sixth place in the women's recurve rankings after 30 arrows.