Munster Special Olympics team are ready to star at the upcoming Special Olympics Ireland Games
Luke Scollard from the Kerry Stars Olympic Team in Killarney holds the torch for team Munster as they make their way down Oliver Plunkett Street. He is supported to his right by Cllr Terry Colman, deputising as Lord mayor of Cork for Cllr Fergal Dennehy to to his left by Roisín Howard, head of Munster Delegation for the Special Olympics. Picture by Noel Sweeney
The Team Munster Launched the Celebration of their athletes ahead of Special Olympics Ireland Games last Saturday evening in Cork City where more than 500 athletes, volunteers and coaches all attended in what a a very special event for all involved.
They all took part in the event where all of Special Olympics Team Munster on the day by proudly parading through Oliver Plunkett Street and finished at the Grand Parade to the cheers and applause their families, friends, supporters and the passing public.
They were also joined by of the Munster Special Olympics CEO Karen Coventry, Director of Sport Oisin Jordan and other members of the Munster Special Olympics Organisation that followed all the proud athletes.
The event recognised the commitment, dedication and hard work shown by athletes, coaches and volunteers in the months leading up to the Special Olympics Ireland Games.
It also provided an opportunity for communities across Munster to come together and celebrate the achievements of those who will represent the province on the national stage.
A highlight of the launch was the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) torch, which was carried by athletes representing each of Munster’s six counties.
The torch was accompanied by Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Terry Coleman, piper Noel Horan and members of An Garda Síochána, who joined the parade in a show of support for the athletes and the Special Olympics movement.
Team Munster will compete in 14 sports at venues across Dublin, where athletes will face competitors from Connaught, Leinster, Eastern and Ulster regions.
Cork will be strongly represented, with clubs travelling from West Cork, North Cork and communities throughout Cork City and county.
Their participation reflects the strength and diversity of the Special Olympics movement across the region.
The volunteer management team supporting Team Munster is led by Head of Delegation Roísín Howard (Cork), assisted by Assistant Heads of Delegation Joe Murtagh (Cork) and Carmel Cronin (Clare).
Medical services for the delegation are coordinated by Deirdre Curtis (Cork) and Martha Buckley (Tipperary), whose leadership helps ensure athletes receive the highest level of care and support throughout the Games.
The parade through one of Cork’s busiest streets created a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere, highlighting the pride and excitement surrounding Team Munster as they prepare to take to the national stage.
Organisers also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of coaches, volunteers, families, supporters and partners whose dedication helps make the Games possible.
The reaction from the passing public was incredible as they all stopped and cheered all the athletes, coaches and volunteers which was led by piper Noel Horgan.
All the athletes responded by waving and shaking hand with all the people who stopped to watch such a beautiful occasion for everyone involved, as they all felt like movie stars on the day with the attention they all were receiving, which shows why again the Cork public are always very proud and supportive of their sporting heroes.
As Team Munster now turns its focus to competition, the launch served was a fitting celebration of achievement, inclusion and community spirit ahead of the Special Olympics Ireland Games, which take place from June 18th-21st.
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