First gold for Ireland on day three of Games

The Special Olympics continued in the same vein today with bumper crowds flocking to many of the venues around the city on day three of the Games.

Thousands swarmed around the RDS, where five of the 21 sports are being held, with particular interest reserved for gymnastics, powerlifting and bocce.

Bocce, a boules-style game originating from an ancient Greek ball-tossing past-time, attracted a curious public to the venue, keen to learn more about the sport and witness the immense accuracy and skill levels on display.

The loudest ovations were reserved for the Irish team, where Pamela Mayes, June Webb and Sheanie McQuad impressed but all the athletes were cheered on with gusto.

The honour of Ireland's first gold medal went to Laura-Jane Dunne, who came home first in the 100 metres freestyle in the pool. The 19-year-old was flushed with her success and there was more joy for the Irish team at the National Aquatics Centre with a further three medals - two silver and a bronze - delighting the home support.

Seve Ballesteros was on hand to act as starter at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links where competition got underway this morning. The five-time major winner was impressed with the quality on offer and despite the blustery conditions Donegal's Oliver Doherty, who plays off seven, shot the low round of the day having recorded a 92, one stroke better than Trevor Webb.

At the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght, a full house was treated to a double-header involving two of the Irish teams. However, despite the overwhelming backing from a partisan crowd, several raucous renditions of 'ole, ole, ole' reverberated around arena, both lost their opening pool matches.

Ireland 03 were narrowly beaten by the team from Kuwait, going down 34 to 39, while France 01 defeated Ireland 04 26-22.

Meanwhile, at the Salmon Leap Canoe Club in Leixlip, the final touches are being applied to the course ahead of the kayaking competition later in the week where the organisers are hoping to make quite a splash.

The Co Kildare setting, one of just three venues outside the capital to host competition, has received a makeover for the Games and the various lanes and obstacles now adorn the tranquil waters of the Liffey. But for the time being only the ducks and swans are testing themselves over the demanding course.