Saturday, February 15, 2025

Mullingar’s unique experience at Special Olympics

There was a significant contribution from Mullingar to this year’s Special Olympics, which were held in Limerick last weekend, 13-15 June.
Mullingar participants, who headed for the Treaty County last Friday, took home several medals, including gold in swimming, bowling and soccer. The medals’ haul also included several silver and bronze prizes.
“We are thrilled with all of the participants and for them it was just an amazing occasion,” said Mullingar’s Nuala Lawlor, who was coaching the basketball team.
“It was just a wonderful experience for everyone involved, especially the athletes, who had a fantastic time and competed very well. It’s an experience they will never forget. They got a unique opportunity to compete and make new friends, and it will live forever in their memories,” she added.
The Mullingar athletes returned home from the University of Limerick on Sunday tired from their exertions, but overjoyed at how successful their weekend was.
Liam Foley took gold and silver in the badminton evert, while Peter Oxley won gold and bronze medals in swimming. Ruth Geerah produced some great displays to take two gold medals in the bowling competition – the Ballinalack girl proving too good for her opponents.
There were bronze medals for three girls in the basketball competition for Connacht: Monica O’Gorman, Alison Dunleavy and Claire Gingell each took home a coveted prize.
The men’s soccer team also got a taste of glory at the prestigious event, with Joe Shaw, John Paul Shaw, Stephen Russell, Ger Kennedy, Michael Myers and John Forde wining bronze medals. Sean Keenan was part of the 11-a-side soccer team which won silver. They were coached by Sean’s dad, Michael.
The ladies 5-a-side soccer team, part of the Galaxy Club in Mullingar, won silver medals and Mullingar was represented by Samantha Battams and Sadie Slevin. Two local representatives also enjoyed a memorable run in the pitch and putt competition, Matthew Hillick picking up a silver medal and Gareth Rynne finishing fourth.
It was also a memorable Special Olympics for Irena Zobernyte, a student of St Brigid’s School, Mullingar. She won a silver medal in swimming.
Along with Nuala Lawlor, Bernie Corroon also played a pivotal part in the Mullingar success story as she was one of the badminton coaches. They are also extremely grateful to Mary O’Donovan for her assistance in this sport.
Monica O’Gorman and Michael Keenan were other coaches involved, while from the Galaxy Club, Mary Clancy contributed greatly.
“You wouldn’t believe the experience they had. They competed at such a high level and it’s great; it’s an experience they will never forget,” enthused Nuala.
As well as the Galaxy Club, the Shooting Stars in Mullingar also contributed greatly to this marvellous success story. The athletes were part of the Connaught region for the games.

read_more
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Woohoo! Your subscription has been successful!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

TOP STORIES

MORE STORIES