Gradwell has been a director of the Paralympic Council of Ireland since its foundation in 1987, and has been involved in Irish sport for over thirty years.  He was a medallist at the World Bowls Championship in Australia in 1990, and was selected to participate in the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr Gradwell said:"I am delighted to be elected as President of PCI and to take over the reins from Tony Guest. I look forward to building on all our achievements, leading the organisation with continued enthusiasm and success towards London 2012."

Commenting on the appointment, Mr John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council stated:"I welcome Jimmy Gradwell to the Presidency of the Paralympic Council of Ireland and look forward to working with him throughout his term in office. I would like to thank Tony Guest for all his hard work and dedication over the past eight years and wish him well for the future."

The Paralympic Council of Ireland is also pleased to announce the election of Mr Liam Moggan as Vice-President. Moggan, a well known figure in Irish sport, works with Coaching Ireland as a Coach Education Development Officer and was the Paralympic Athletics Manager for the Irish Paralympic Team at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.