The countdown is on: after all the memories, laughter, tears, determination, teamwork, and wonderful support of previous years, it’s time to do it all over again!
The annual Roscommon Special Olympics versus Roscommon Gardaí match takes place this year on Friday, October 9th. Kick-off is at 7 pm at Roscommon Community Sports Park, Lisnamult.
This year, Roscommon Special Olympics are ‘buzzin’ for half a dozen’ as they are going for six wins in a row!
This, however, is a night about so much more than football. It is about ability, pride, friendship, inclusion, determination, and community. It will also be an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful achievements of Roscommon Special Olympics throughout the year, and recognise the hard work and dedication of both the amazing athletes and coaches.
It has been an amazing year for Roscommon Special Olympics, with nine athletes qualifying for the National Games last June and four more athletes taking part in ‘Beyond the Waves’ European Swimming Championships in Malta in September.
But beyond all these wonderful stories and remarkable success, training has continued in the background, and thoughts now turn to the yearly showcase event taking place next week!
Word coming from both training camps is that training has been going well, and Roscommon Gardaí are adamant that the six-match winning streak will be halted this year. There is even talk of a few new signings on the garda team!
An incredibly special part of the evening will once again be the presentation of the Maire Allen Memorial Cup. Maura holds a special place in the community’s heart, and organisers are privileged to keep her memory alive through this wonderful event.
Roscommon Special Olympics would like to express their sincere thanks to the incredible support of An Garda Síochána Roscommon, without whom this event could not be held. A huge thank you is extended to all the Gardaí who take part, support the event, and help make the night so special every year. Huge gratitude is extended in particular to Garda Kelley Doolan, Sergeant Ronan O’Meara, and Superintendent David Cryan.
A special thank also to the Roscommon Sports Park Committee, Lisnamult Residents Association, and Martin Hannon of Roscommon Sports Partnership for their unwavering support. As always, thanks to all the wonderful Special Olympics volunteers, coaches, parents, caregivers, sponsors, friends and supporters, whose time, energy, and commitment mean more than words can say!
So, Roscommon… bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your loudest voices! Come along and support both teams for a fantastic night of football, entertainment, laughter, and community spirit. And who knows… maybe this really will be the year of the Gardaí!
Time will tell!
