DONEGAL’S interest in the beach volleyball at the Olympics ended last night!
British duo Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney unexpectedly crashed out of tournament.
Shauna, whose dad Enda is from Donegal Town, went down her partner 2-0 in their lucky loser play-off against Austria at Horse Guards Parade as Doris and Stefanie Schwaiger closed out a comprehensive win.
The first set lasted 20 minutes as Mullin and Dampney battled hard to reward the home fans with a spirited display but they were unable to mount a credible challenge in the second as they were manoeuvred around the court by their opponents.
The duo had earlier gone through as lucky losers despite slipping to defeat against Russia in their final Pool F clash.
Mullin and Dampney won their opening match against Canada but were heavily beaten by Italy in their second preliminary phase clash, meaning they needed victory against Russia to be sure of securing a place in the knockout stage.
Their opponents also needed a result to ensure their progress and proved too strong, winning 25-23 21-13 at Horse Guards Parade.
Russian duo Evgeniya Ukolova and Ekaterina Khomyakova edged a tight first set, with the latter growing in confidence as the match went on.
Mullin stole points with some smart cross-shots and spikes, but the Russians finally took the set when Mullin fired into her own net.
The British pair took umbrage with some strict refereeing decisions, with Russia finding a different gear in the second set.
Ukolova took control at the net on her way to 25 points, with the eastern European pair easing to a 21-13 victory to secure their place in the round of 16.
“We just want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us,” said Mullin as she addressed the crowd after Austrian defeat.
“We’re very proud of you guys for being behind us all the time. Thank you, we love you. It’s been an incredible week for us. We brought our game home to Britain and it’s been just amazing for us, thanks to everyone.”
Taking over the microphone, Dampney said: “Every time we stepped on court it’s given me goose pimples. We’ve loved every second and that’s down to you guys and our family and friends. It’s been amazing.”
Shauna is due to visit her relatives again in Donegal in October.
Town mayor Tom Conachan said: “We will roll the town band out for her. She has given the town a great interest in the Olympics in a very exciting sport.”
