Derry to host civic reception for silver medallist

The Mayor of Derry, Councillor Kathleen McCloskey, is to host a Civic Reception to honour judo silver medallist Lisa Bradley.

The honour recognises Lisa's achievement in winning Northern Ireland’s third medal of the Commonwealth Games.

The Mayor, extending her heartfelt congratulations to the 26-year-old silver medallist, said Lisa had "done the city proud and she was looking forward to welcoming her home."

Councillor McCloskey said: “I am delighted that Lisa has been successful at the Games. She is a great sportswoman and an example to young people from the city and all over Northern Ireland. This is a remarkable achievement and I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to her, her coach and her family. They have done us proud and I am looking forward to host a Civic Reception in her honour.

“I am particularly delighted that the sport of Judo has been acknowledged in this way. This silver medal follows the city’s successful staging of the World Masters Judo Championship at Templemore Sports Complex last month when over 500 competitors from 44 countries participated. Derry has become Northern Ireland’s judo centre of excellence thanks to the efforts of Lisa Bradley, coach Jim Toland and former international, Terry Watt,” she said.

Lisa, who has been involved with the sport since the age of 13, clinched silver in the under-52kg category after losing out to England’s Georgina Singleton in the final.

She won bronze at the last two Commonwealth tournaments and finished seventh in the World Student Games.

“Lisa will be guaranteed a hero’s welcome on her return home. This is a fantastic achievement for a local girl and for the city as a whole,” the Mayor added.

The Northern Ireland team won a bronze medal in the mens lawn bowls fours on Wednesday.

(SP)