Mallow's  Julie Dwyer receives the Special Olympics Distinguished Service award for her commitment to the cause

Several volunteers were recently honoured at the Special Olympics Ireland Volunteer Awards 2025 in Dublin.

Lot of awards were presented, but the main ones were the three Distinguished Service Awards presented on the night. 

This award was presented to three remarkable recipients in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the Special Olympics.

One of this year’s deserving recipients was Julie Dwyer from Mallow, whose longstanding and multifaceted commitment to Special Olympics has left a profound and lasting impact on the organisation. 

Julie has been an active and dedicated volunteer for many years, embodying the true spirit of service and leadership. 

Her tireless efforts have spanned every level of involvement from local clubs Mallow Marlins, Mallow United and Copstown Special Olympics Clubs to international competitions. 

She has taken on countless roles, including coach, event organiser, committee member and regional leader. 

Always willing to step forward, Julie is admired for her ability to meet every challenge with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a deep sense of care for the athletes and fellow volunteers.

Her leadership has been pivotal in the introduction and growth of Kayaking in the Munster Region. 

She also played a key role in developing Open Water Swimming in the region, supporting the growth of new clubs, and was instrumental in the introduction of Floorball in Munster. 

Julie’s involvement has extended to the National and International stage, as Assistant Head of Delegation for Team Ireland at the World Winter Games 2017, Head of Delegation for Team Munster at the Ireland Summer Games 2018.

Julie’s unwavering dedication and far-reaching contributions truly embody the spirit of Special Olympics, making her a most worthy recipient of the Distinguished Service Award 2025.

Julie explains why she got involved with the Special Olympics originally, as she just was following with her husband John, and her daughter Nicola into different sports when they arrived from Australia in 2000.

“My daughter Nicola was the main reason I became involved with Special Olympics when we arrived in Ireland from Australia in 2000,” Julie said.

“I then became a volunteer in 2002, when I took on the role of Medical Coordinator for Irish Special Olympics tram for World Summer Games in 2003. 

"I then became involved with local Special Olympics Clubs, Mallow Marlins, Copstown Golf and Mallow United in coaching and administrative roles which have continued to the present time.

“Nicola currently participates in seven sports, along with a large group of talented athletes in North Cork Clubs who are supported by a wonderful, special and passionate group of coaches and volunteers.

“Over the years I have had the pleasure of working with a dedicated group that have led the Munster Special Olympics team to successive National Summer and Winter Games.

“I have also been privileged to travel with Team Ireland to World Summer and Winter Games in Medical and Assistant Head of Delegation roles to South Korea, Austria, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi.

“I was surprised to receive the award as I have always felt that I have got far more from working within Special Olympics than I have actually given of myself, so it is an honour and a pleasure to receive the award,” Julie added.

If anyone would like to volunteer with a Special Olympics club in your area or support an event, please contact Mairéad McCarthy, Regional Development Officer Volunteers by emailing, mairead.mccarthy@specialolympics.