MacManus's primary role as Team Attaché will be to support the team and ensure that all management, logistical and other external factors are catered for to permit athletes, team managers and their coaches to focus solely on their pre-event training plan and their in competition performance.

MacManus said: "I am honoured to have been offered this role.

"The aspirations of Paralympics Ireland for the London 2012 Paralympic Games excite me greatly.

"I am looking forward to being a member of this fabulous elite winning Irish team."

MacManus, who was born in Waterford and studied in Waterford Institute of Technology before completing a Masters in Trinity College Dublin, is currently managing director of Reach, a field management company in England.

Liam Harbison, chief executive of Paralympics Ireland and Chef de Mission for the London 2012, said: "We are thrilled to have someone of the calibre and passion of Gary MacManus to act as our Team Attaché for the London 2012 Games.

"He will be a fantastic addition to our team and will lend great support to us in planning and preparing for the unique challenges we face with the Games so close to our shores.

"We wish him every success in the role."

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