Special Olympics Ireland

17/06/2026

💙 Best of luck to the incredible athletes from Cavan and Monaghan as they travel to Dublin for the Ireland Summer Games 2026!

A total of 48 athletes from across the two counties will join more than 1,200 athletes from around Ireland for four unforgettable days of sport, friendship, determination and achievement.

We are so proud of everything these athletes have accomplished to reach this stage. Thank you also to the coaches, volunteers, families and supporters whose dedication helps make these opportunities possible.
Best of luck to Team Ulster! 💙

Read more: anglocelt.ie

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17/06/2026

16/06/2026

Only 2 days to go until the Ireland Summer Games 2026 ❤️

Badminton athlete Dara Kiernan, football athlete Conor Keaveney and Leinster basketball head coach Suzanne Whelan joined Ireland AM to share their excitement ahead of four unforgettable days of sport.

Dara is proudly representing the Eastern Region and is ready to take on the competition, with her sights firmly set on gold. For Dara, the Games are also about meeting athletes, building friendships and connecting with people from all over the island of Ireland.

Conor will represent Leinster in football and is looking forward to competing at the Games for the second time. After winning gold at his previous Games, he is excited to return to the pitch and represent his region alongside his teammates.

Suzanne shared the incredible energy, dedication and teamwork behind the Games, as well as the vital role volunteers play in supporting athletes and creating unforgettable sporting experiences.

With more than 1,200 athletes competing across 12 sports, the Games promise to be an incredible celebration of courage, friendship and achievement.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8X9qHZTB1g

15/06/2026

Just 3 days to go until the Ireland Summer Games 2026 💚

More than 1,200 athletes are ready to proudly represent their regions and their sports.

Every athlete’s journey is powered by months of training, meaningful friendships and the support of coaches, families, volunteers and staff who have helped make the Games possible.

We are ready to cheer, celebrate and be part of every unforgettable moment.

Be a Part of the Action and donate today:
https://www.idonate.ie/forms/specialolympicsmodal

10/06/2026

It is with great disappointment that we have had to cancel tomorrow's Team Ulster Launch Event at Armagh City Hotel (Thursday 11 June 2026).

Following advice from government departments and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and after careful consideration of travel conditions, we cannot guarantee safe travel to and from the venue for all attendees. The safety of our athletes, volunteers, families, coaches, chaperones and supporters must always come first.

We know many people will be disappointed, and we share that disappointment. We were looking forward to celebrating together and officially launching Team Ulster ahead of the Summer Games.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Team Ulster.

10/06/2026

Meet Ian Gilvarry, a swimmer from Limerick who will proudly represent the Munster Region this June.

Ian found out he had been selected for the Games when his mum received the email and messaged him while he was at work. He said he was “so happy” to find out he would be competing at the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Games.

Ian loves swimming, basketball, keeping fit, and the friendships he has made through Special Olympics. Now, with just days to go, the excitement is building as Ian and athletes across the island of Ireland prepare to showcase their hard work at the Games.

We cannot wait to cheer Ian on this June.

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08/06/2026

Only 10 days to go until the Ireland Summer Games 2026 💚

Meet Emma Griffin, who will be representing the Munster Region in swimming at this summer’s Games.

Emma is 31 and from Limerick, and says being selected for the Ireland Summer Games was a dream come true. “I heard by email, my mum received it, and I was delighted,” Emma said.

As the countdown gets closer, athletes and clubs across the island of Ireland have been training, preparing and building excitement for what is going to be an unforgettable few days in Dublin.

From training sessions to moments like the Cork parade, which felt like one big outdoor dance party, it has been amazing to see the energy, joy and support building around the Games.

Be a Part of the Action and donate today:
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07/06/2026

Team Munster had an amazing launch in Cork yesterday, with a triumphant parade through the city as family, friends, supporters, and locals from all walks of life lined the streets to cheer athletes on - the pride and energy was off the charts! Highlights included a great rendition of the Athlete Oath courtesy of athlete Ian, and a fun outdoor dance party with tunes and dance moves aplenty! Thanks to everyone who made the day possible - roll on the Ireland Games!

06/06/2026

Excitement is building for the Games 💙

A brilliant morning out on the water with Lucy, Robbie, Moira and coach Van Gilleson as they prepare to represent Team Leinster in kayaking this Saturday.

We cannot wait to see all their hard work, focus and team spirit in action. Best of luck to the Leinster kayaking team as they get ready for an unforgettable Games.

Be a Part of the Action and donate today: https://www.idonate.ie/forms/specialolympicsmodal

04/06/2026

Team Connaught rocked the Dexcom Stadium in Galway last night as 120 athletes and hundreds of families, friends, supporters, coaches and volunteers came together for the Connaught Region launch ahead of the 2026 Ireland Summer Games!

Athletes were celebrated throughout - from a powerful parade into the room, powerful speeches, and a brilliant interview with athletes sharing their experiences, advice, and excitement!

Head of Delegation for Team Connaught, Aengus Sheerin, paid tribute to the mighty Connaught athletes: “To all our athletes, we are so delighted to be part of your team. We are all going to Dublin to do our best, but more importantly, to enjoy the experience and have a good time with all the other teams. Your towns, community clubs, supporters, and families, many of them here tonight, are all so proud of your achievements. You are all winners, even before we start, and I thank you so much for the honour of being part of your team.”

Thanks to MC Denise Ni Cheallaigh, Connacht Rugby and Dexcom Stadium, and all who attended for making the magic possible.

The Summer Games take place from 18–21 June 2026. Best of luck to all athletes!

You can support local teams & the Games by donating at
https://www.idonate.ie/forms/SpecialOlympicsModal