Kare athletes shine at Special Olympics

Athletes, coaches and supporters at the Team Kare send-off

Kare's Special Olympics team of 15 athletes and four coaches enjoyed a weekend of sport and celebration alongside their Leinster teammates at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games.

The group departed from Newbridge on Thursday, waved off by families, friends and staff. From there, they joined athletes from across the country for the opening ceremony at Tallaght Stadium, followed by three days of competition across a range of venues.

Our athletes delivered fantastic performances across a number of sports:

BASKETBALL Brendan Connolly, PJ Roche, Isobel Walsh and Ryan Doyle all competed in Gormanstown, Co. Meath. The men’s team finished in fourth place, while the women’s team achieved a brilliant gold medal win in their group.

BOCCE

In Blanchardstown, Conor Sheridan secured both a gold and a bronze medal, while Dylan Hanley won a silver and a bronze. Clare Murphy added a silver medal and a fourth-place ribbon, Aaron Gorry claimed bronze along with a fourth-place ribbon, and Michael Ward achieved fourth- and fifth-place ribbons in a very competitive group.

EQUESTRIAN

EmmetT Mangan took home a bronze medal and a fourth-place ribbon, while Conor Byrne delivered a strong performance to win both silver and bronze.

GOLF

At Westmanstown Golf Club, Natasha Flynn secured a silver medal in the Individual Skills Competition. On the course, Jack Cullen and Stephen Prendergast went head-to-head for bronze on the final day, with Jack taking the bronze medal and Stephen finishing in fourth place.

BOWLING

Competing in Coolock, Patrick McMahon represented Kare with determination, earning two fourth-place ribbons in competitive divisions.

A huge amount of support was provided throughout the Games by Kare staff who travelled as coach chaperones. Niamh Byrne and Sean Riordan supported the basketball teams, Maria O’Reilly accompanied the golf athletes, and Bridie Collins supported the bocce team. Their commitment helped ensure that everyone could fully enjoy the experience and take part in all aspects of the Games.

Beyond the medals and results, the Games were about much more than competition. They provided a chance for people to build friendships, travel and enjoy new experiences.

Well done to everyone, we are extremely proud of you all!