Special Olympics Summer Games
We want to congratulate all of our members who took part in the Special Olympics Summer Games this June 18th – 21st. Every medal, personal best, and challenge taken on deserves to be celebrated.
A massive well done to every single athlete, you’re all superstars and we couldn’t be prouder!
Lucy O’Brien – Clare branch – Athletics
Lucy brought home a gold medal in the mini javelin and showed incredible determination in her 50m race. After taking a fall when her knee gave way, she picked herself up, finished the race, and still placed 5th. Well done Lucy!
Paul Kirrane – Clare branch – Golf
Paul also brought a gold medal back home to Clare, with a fantastic performance in his golf tournament. A wonderful achievement and thoroughly deserved!
Caelan McGirl – Leitrim branch – Equestrian
Caelan was one of 6 Leitrim branch athletes selected to represent Connaught at the Games this June and competed in both BS Equitation and BS Walking Trail, taking home a fourth-place medal for each.
Speaking about his chosen sport, Caelan said, “I am a champion horse rider!”
Nina Carberry, MEP and former jockey, also visited the equestrian centre during the competitions, where Caelan and some of his fellow athletes got the opportunity to meet her.
Monica O’Gorman & David Hogg – Longford Westmeath branch – Basketball
Monica and David spent four days in Dublin at the Games, bringing home silver medals in basketball for their Connaught team. Congratulations!
Ben McCann – Louth Meath branch – Athletics
Ben had a fantastic experience at the Games, traveling to Dublin with his club coach and 13 fellow athletes. Competing in three events, Ben won silver medals in both the mini javelin and 400m relay, and placed fourth in the 100m sprint. Fantastic achievement Ben!
To cap it all off, Ben and his teammates were welcomed back to their Drogheda training club with a guard of honour from the Gardaí and local fire brigade!
Eileen Dunne – Louth Meath branch – Kayaking
Eilleen brought home an incredible two silver and one bronze medal in her chosen sport of kayaking. Speaking about her chosen sport, Eileen said, ‘My sport is Kayaking. I went to kayaking sessions in Ballyconnell in Cavan. I was the only female in the Kayaking team.’
Well done Eileen!
Edel Pollard – Tipperary branch – Basketball
Edel travelled all the way from Tipperary to compete in the Games and did everyone proud, bringing home a silver medal in basketball! Fantastic stuff Edel!
Joe Buckely – Kerry branch – Athletics
Joe took home the gold in his 100m sprint, as well as fourth place medals in both the mini javelin and relay race! His favourite memory of the Games was ‘getting a gold medal that gives me a chance to make the World Games in Chile, and the support of my coaches and volunteers at Kerry Stars Special Olympics.’
Caoimhe Brosnan & Sophie Twiss – Kerry branch – Swimming
Caoimhe and Sophie travelled all the way from Kerry to compete in their chosen sport of swimming, with them taking home a combined total of seven medals, including three gold, three silver, and one bronze!
Speaking about their favourite memories from the experience, Caoimhe said, ‘swimming in the big pool and getting to share a room with my friend Sophie!’
Sophie said her favourite moments were, ‘taking part in the relay and the evening entertainment.’
Adam Maher – Kerry branch – Athletics
Adam won a silver medal in his 100m sprint, along with bronze medals in both the shot put and relay race. To top this incredible achievement off, Adam received a hero’s welcome back to Kerry, with the Mayor of Kerry, Mikey Sheehy, celebrating his arrival, followed by a Garda escort through the town!
Along with all of our incredible members featured above, there were many more talented athletes who took part in the Special Olympics Summer Games this June. Every single participant truly showcased the best Ireland has to offer!
A massive congratulations to everyone!