Casey’s uplifting attitude taking her to the Paralympic Games

A MULLAGH teenager who is preparing to compete in the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai next month says it her “dream” to make it to the Paralympic games in Paris in August.

Casey Fitzgerald (17) won two gold medals at the 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships in September.

Fitzgerald, a new name in the para powerlifting industry, took the competition by storm securing first place in two categories - the first in her weight category in New Generation, as well as first place in the overall weight category.

The inspiring athlete also celebrate a new life time best of lifting a whopping 76kg.

The young woman with cerebral palsy earned her spot on the Irish Paralympic team last July, having secured two gold, a silver and a bronze medal at a recent competition in Waterford.

Casey and fellow para powerlifter, Britney Arendse also from Mullagh arrived home to a hero's welcome as supporters turned out to greet the champions at a special event in Park Ri Kells.

After a short break from training over the festive season, the talented athlete is back in action and “determined” to win more medals and achieve her “personal best.”

“It was amazing to compete in Dubai last year so now I just want to build on that and keep the momentum going,” said Casey.

“I have been training really hard so I'm hoping that will all pay off in the competition,” she added.

Speaking of competing in Dubai last year, Casey said she was “very nervous” about going on stage but when she got out there, she “just gave it her all.”

“I was delighted to achieve my personal best in lifting too,” said the Mullagh athlete

Proud mum Tracy recalls the moment she saw her daughter on stage making her international debut.

“I went through so many emotions, I laughed, I cried, I couldn't keep up with myself I was fine until I saw her being brought out on stage,” said Tracy. “The anticipation of her lifting the bar and willing her to lift it was intense.

“She did phenomenally well, it was her international debut so she had never competed internationally before and came home with two gold medals.

“It really opens your eyes when you are there and see all of the people with different abilities.

“Both Britney and Casey on the one team from the same small village is just amazing. It was such an achievement to get on to the Irish team.”

Determined Casey wanted to take part in the sport from a young age according to Tracy who said: “She was looking to powerlifting since she was twelve but had to be sixteen to do it, so within a few days of her turning 16 she was at the gym testing out a bar to see if she was able to do it!

Having completed her leaving cert last summer, the Mullagh teen says there is only one thing on her agenda - continuing her winning streak.

“I want to continue doing powerlifting as long as I am physically able to do it. There are a number of competitions coming up over the next few months and it would be my dream to qualify for the Paralympics.”

The young athlete has a message for anyone who has trepidations about following their own path in life.

“Go for it, don't be afraid to reach for your dreams, if you put your mind to it you can achieve anything.”

Casey's mum is hoping that she will be successful in gaining sponsorship to allow her to compete in competitions abroad and to be in with a chance of making it to the Paralympic games in Paris in August.

“We are very grateful that Run My Recruitment and Run My Business.ie have partially sponsored Casey's Dubai Trip in February,” said Tracy.

“We would love more sponsors to come on board to help Casey's journey to go to Paris Paralympics in 2024 and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

www.caseyfitzgerald.ie