Glory on the horizon: Cork charity celebrates members heading to Special Olympics Ireland games

The Cork-based charity Horizons this week hosted a party for its members who will represent the organisation at the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland games.

Horizons, which provides support for 2,800 people with intellectual disability or autism across more than 70 locations around the city and county, is sending 38 athletes to the games, which will take place in the capital from June 18 -21.

There was a palpable air of excitement in the air in the canteen at the Horizons campus in Montenotte as the athletes, decked in their Team Munster gear, prepared to head off to the games.

While the athletes will be hoping to bring some medals back to Cork, simply participating in the games and taking the opportunity to make new friends through sport is a huge incentive for the athletes.

Olympics debut

Among them is Cian O’Brien in bowling, who has been selected to take part in the Ireland games for the very first time.

“I am looking forward to it. My friends and my teammates have been very supportive over a good while now with me. I am very lucky to have them. To be honest, I love hanging out with my friends and the teammates,” said Cian.

“The coaches are really supportive and I think it is a pleasure to have them by our side.

“I really enjoy bowling. It just puts me into a good position, where I can just focus and be myself really.”

Cian said he has been busy training in the build up to the games.

“The preparations have been good. I have been bowling every Tuesday at Planet in Blackpool.”

Another athlete making the trip to the games is David Dunlea, who is taking part in football.

“I love playing football with people and socialising with people. I have played with Munster before, so I know what to expect. So I am just looking forward to getting going next week and playing football.

“Hopefully we can get to the final and hopefully do well in the games. We will see what way the games go and hopefully we can win the medals up there,” said David.

“I am looking forward to it a lot and I just want to get going with the games. Hopefully it goes well.”

Don't give up

David feels his experience of competing for Team Munster before will benefit him during the games.

“There might be some tough games and if we go behind in a game, learn that we just don’t think the game is over and you might come back and win it. Don’t give up!

Cathy Dullea will making the trip up to Dublin to represent Team Munster in basketball.

“I am looking forward to it. I have been before and know what is ahead of me. I enjoy basketball and I love it.”

The mood among all of the athletes taking part is one of eager anticipation.

Horizons CEO Lorraine Egan was full of praise for each of the 38 athletes representing Horizons the games.

“We are so very proud of them in Horizons. They have worked extremely hard to get to where they are.

“They are supported by their families and they are supported by their coaches. It means so much to us to be able to support them through this journey.

“Achieving and going to the Special Olympics was a goal for the athletes, who have now achieved that goal.

“Everything they achieve at the games will be an absolute bonus to that.”