2026 has proven to be a wonderful year for everyone associated with Roscommon Town Special Olympics Club.
Looking back on the year that was, the club is so proud of all the athletes who turned up and took part into the wide range of activities on offer.
So far this year, there was fantastic success at the All-Ireland Games, alongside huge participation across the many sporting and other activities organised by the club.
And there is lots more to look forward to yet. As training ramps up another level ahead of the annual duel with the wonderful team at Roscommon Garda Station, the club has received some very exciting news – they have qualified to take part in the Special Olympics European Swimming Open Malta 2026. Running from the 10th to the 14th of September, this event will welcome 400 participants from 40 countries for a ‘Beyond the Wave European Championships’, to be held at the renowned Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex Malta.
Four athletes and two coaches have been chosen to represent Roscommon, Connacht, and Ireland at these games. Roscommon Town Special Olympics Club will be the only club representing Ireland, making this an incredibly proud moment and a truly huge achievement for everyone associated with the club. What an experience it is going to be!
Congratulations are extended to the four athletes – Anne Marie Donnelly, Brian Og McGarvey, Shaun Mullen, and Sorcha Hegarty – as well as swimming coach Marie Keane and the head of the delegation Bob McCormack.
There are no words to express the excitement, anticipation, and general buzz around the club that this selection has created. It is truly testament to the exceptionally hard work the athletes, volunteers, and coaches have put in – week in, week out – over the last number of years. Even though the delegation for these European games may be small, it highlights the amazing support, encouragement, and camaraderie the club’s athletes show each other.
All of the club are behind Anne Marie, Brian Og, Shaun, and Sorcha as they strive to do their very best in the pool in Qawra Malta.
There is no end to the wonderful support from parents, family members, and carers, who bring athletes to their sessions in whatever sport they take part in. The club’s athletes are without doubt true ambassadors for sport and for Roscommon, and they and the club are both incredibly lucky to have such wonderful parental and family support.
And the club’s success could simply not be without its incredible, kind, patient volunteers. No club can survive without these volunteers, who go above and beyond to ensure that Roscommon Special Olympics Club thrive every day. The club were so proud when two of these volunteers – Marie Keane (swimming coach) and Bob McCormack (head of delegation) – were chosen to lead the team of Anne Marie, Brian Og, Shaun, and Sorcha to the European Games in Malta.
Good luck everyone!
