The final day of the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games was a day of hard-fought competition, impressive determination, and genuine joy as athletes concluded their contests across 12 sports.
The final day of the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games was a day of hard-fought competition, impressive determination, and genuine joy as athletes concluded their contests across 12 sports.
Athletes from all five Special Olympics regions across the island of Ireland shared what the Games meant to them, and the positive impact that Special Olympics has had on their lives.
Leinster kayaking athlete Moira Scott, from Tullamore, reflected on how far she has come since starting in Special Olympics at 9 years old.
Moira said: “When I started kayaking, I couldn’t even balance. Now I’m here representing Team Leinster at the Ireland Summer Games, and that means everything to me.”
Representing Ulster in golf, Lurgan athlete Thomas Heaney showed incredible dedication in the lead up to the Ireland Summer Games 2026.
“My name is Thomas, I live in Lurgan and I play golf. I was quite new to the whole thing, and quite nervous.” Through cold winter sessions, difficult weather and extra practice at his own club, Thomas showed the kind of commitment that makes everyone around him proud.
Francis Donnelly, representing the Eastern Region which covers the Dublin area, is an athlete taking part in the Motor Activities Training Programme. This is a non-competitive event which is built around giving athletes with complex additional support needs the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills in a variety of sports activities and movement patterns.
Francis’ support worker at Avista CLG, Lauren Hall said: "Francis is amazing, he is so determined. He takes on so many new tasks and he smashes them. Francis will always say yes to a new task, and that’s what pushes him to do more, to do better.”
Aoife Hegarty, from Roscommon, represented Connaught in athletics and said that Special Olympics meant so much to her: “When I got the news to be picked, I couldn’t believe it…it means a lot to be here again, to compete again is just unreal.”
“Special Olympics has helped me grow in confidence, find my voice and feel like I belong.”
James Hunter represented Munster in football as team captain, and he leads by example by being a model of inclusion and equality: “When I go out to the pitch I take my captain’s armband off, because I want us all to be equal when we’re playing. Isn’t that what Special Olympics is all about?”
James is a proud father, and reflecting on Father’s Day today, he said: “I love spending time with my kids, especially on Father’s Day. They’re the world to me, I love every day with them, and I can’t wait for the future.”
The Special Olympics Summer Games brought a weekend of celebration, pride and unforgettable sporting moments, as athletes from across the country showcased their talent, determination, and dedication.
More than 1,277 athletes competed across 12 sports, cheered on by friends, families, coaches, and supporters as they took to the stage, pool, court and pitches after months of preparation.
Full Results can be found here.
