The 53-year-old from Ballyhooly in Cork competed in the shot put, discus, club throw and boccia but has decided to let the curtain come down on his outstanding career despite the lure of London 2012.

He on a total of eight Paralympic, 16 World Championship and six European Championships medals across the four sports.

The highlights in a career of considerable highs were his Paralympic successes, notably his gold medal in the discus at Sydney 2000 and his silver medal in boccia at Atlanta 1996.

Leahly has also held the world record in both the shot and discus and was awarded Jury's Supreme Sports- Star of the year in 1997 while the tributes for his remarkable career have been led by Paralympics Ireland chief executive Liam Harbison.

"Tom epitomises everything that is the Paralympic Movement - excellence, commitment, drive and an elite winning mentality," said Harbison.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Tom for close to 15 years now, he has been a treasure to Irish sport with a huge return of medals across a phenomenal 30 year career.

"I wish him the very best in his retirement, safe in the knowledge that Tom will continue to encourage and inspire current and emerging talent in Irish Paralympic sport.

"Paralympics Ireland would like to wish Tom the best of luck in his retirement and thank him for all the great memories throughout the years."

While excelling on the sporting fields of the world, Leahly is also an accomplished artist with his works being displayed in galleries throughout Ireland on numerous occasions.

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