Athletes from North Cork had another fantastic showing at last weekend’s Special Olympics National Summer Games in Dublin.
Of the 1,200+ athletes and coaches who took part in the games, a strong contingent arrived to represent Munster, and of those, North Cork was well represented.
The Mallow region and surrounding areas were represented at the National Games by Mallow United, Mallow Marlins, Copstown Golf and Doneraile Rockets. This group consisted of 8 football, 2 basketball, 1 swimming, 2 kayaking, 3 golf, 4 athletics and 6 badminton athletes; twenty-six athletes plus Head Coaches Sheila O’Donoghue, Declan O’Connell, Mags Curtin and assistant coaches John Chisholm, Mick Buckley, Mike Mullins, Marie Mullins and Mariana McElligott.
The total medal count for Mallow clubs was 16 Gold, 7 Silver, 10 Bronze and 6 fourth-placed finishes.
Coach Declan O’Connell was effusive in his praise of the team, saying on social media: “All the lads outdid themselves and, despite being the youngest team at the competition, they hoovered up medals.
“They have been training hard for months and it was fabulous to see them develop their skill and confidence.
“I couldn’t be prouder of them and feel privileged to be part of their team.”
The athletes and coaches were given a hero’s welcome on their return home from Dublin.
For photographs celebrating and looking back on a memorable weekend, see inside.