Munster Special Olympic team ready and excited as they head to Dublin for the Ireland Games

After all the excitement at the parade in the city centre last week, the Munster Special Olympics team will head to Dublin tomorrow morning for the Ireland Games.

This year the games are being held in the greater Dublin area. 

Many of the events will be held in the Irish Sports Campus in Blanchardstown, with others being held in venues neighbouring Kildare and Meath.

At the parade I caught up with the Head of Delegation, Rathcormac native Róisín Howard, and athletes Stephen O’Leary, Fionnuala Clark, Michael Barry and David Horgan to get their thoughts on the games.

As head of delegation, Róisín will be in charge of overseeing the smooth running of the team, to ensure everyone is having a fun at a safe and successful games.

“With 14 sports across the three days, I must ensure that all teams are fully supported throughout, and regularly check in with the management team and head coaches to make sure we address any issues or concerns promptly,” Róisín said.

“I have been involved in the Special Olympics since 2013 when I finished college in Limerick. 

"I started out by volunteering at the Munster Athletics competitions and then got involved with a local club where I coach athletics today.

“My brother Robbie, who has Down Syndrome, got involved with a gymnastics club years ago and I am so proud that he will be representing Munster at these games.

“I have been involved in the last two Ireland Games and one World Games. 

"I was an athletics official and general volunteer at the Ireland Games in the University of Limerick in 2014. 

"Then I went as an Athletics Coach and Chaperone for the Ireland Games in Dublin in 2018. 

"I also got the opportunity to be an Athletics Coach and Chaperone for the World Games in Abu Dhabi,” Howard added.

Stephen O’Leary plays his football with his local club in Ballincollig and he is really looking forward to the games, as he thinks it should be a great tournament.

“I play football and have been involved since 2009 when Terrance McSweeney got me involved,” Stephen said.

“He reached out and asked me to join Ballincollig Gunners and I've been with the club now for 16 years.

“I'm really looking forward to taking part and being involved with the team. 

"Win, lose or draw it will be a fun experience and I get a chance to represent Munster.

“It's all about taking part with the lads and having fun with the team. 

"If we win that will be a bonus,” O’Leary added.

Fionnuala Clarke will be representing Cork Special Olympics Bowling at the games and she is very excited about the event.

“I got involved in Cork Special Olympics Bowling club when I joined many years ago, and I'm still involved and I love it,” Fionnuala said.

“The most exciting thing for me is meeting new people, making new friends, and just all being part of the excitement and buildup of the games.

“Well, if I don't win, I'm glad I participated, and I'm delighted to be a part of the team and taking part for Munster,” Clarke concluded.

Another athlete, Michael Barry is part of the Owenabue Special Olympics Gymnastics Club and yes, he very excited about the games this week.

“I do gymnastics, I love hanging out with my friends, the coaches and I really enjoy training,” Michael said.

“I have been involved in gymnastics since I was three years old and now I'm 32, so that’s to nearly 30 years.

“Zelie Moran, a founding member of the Owenabue Special Olympics Gymnastics Club, saw me at Douglas in the mainstream gymnastics group and recruited me to the Special Olympics Club.

“Honestly, I can't wait to participate and compete at the games, as I love gymnastics and I also like watching my friends and cheering them on too, however, it will be lovely to win a medal,” Barry added.

David Horgan, who will be representing the Cork Special Olympics Badminton Club at the games is a very busy man, as he also swims, plays soccer with the Cork City Down Syndrome Futsal team and plays table tennis.

“I am very happy to be representing my club, Cork Special Olympics Badminton Club, with Team Munster at the games,” David said.

“I am really excited and can’t wait for the game to start as I know I am going to meet some new friends in the competition and although we will be competing against one another, afterwards we all will have a great time together.

“I can’t wait for the games to begin as they are always a wonderful and exciting experience, Go Team Munster,” Horgan added.