Ireland Summer Games Gazette
Welcome to the Ireland Summer Games Gazette – your daily front-row seat to all the excitement, inspiration and unforgettable moments from the heart of the Ireland Games!
The Ireland Games is a celebration of inclusion, ability and community, bringing together athletes from across the country to compete, connect and shine.
It's a showcase of determination, friendship and the incredible power of sport to bring people together. Each day, we'll bring you the very best of the action – from standout performances and heartwarming stories to photo highlights, behind-the-scenes moments and videos capturing the energy and spirit of the Games.
Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or supporting from afar, this is your chance to experience a slice of the positivity, passion and celebration that makes the Ireland Games so special.
Get ready to be inspired, moved and entertained as we share the smiles, successes and unforgettable memories that make these Games extraordinary. If you can't be there, we'll bring the Games to you!
Special Olympics athletes sum up the meaning of inclusive sport on the final day of the Ireland Summer Games
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.
Francis Donnelly - Always Saying Yes
“This pushes him, this pushes him to do better and do more than he thought he ever would, and its brilliant!” Support Worker Lauren Hall talks about the difference the Motor Activities training programme has made to Francis’ life.
2026 Ireland Summer Games Video Highlights: Day 2
Watch our Video Highlights! It couldn’t have been any more magical! What a stunning day of sport, with althletes across our venues encouraging each other to do their best (even when in competition), and pushing themselves to achieve their very best! We had medals, we had moments but most of all we had fun!
Basketball bliss in Gormanston as teams compete for glory
Athletes battled across the basketball courts of Gormanston on Day 2 of the Games with determination, teamwork and passion.
The levels of focus on display were remarkable, and athletes were prepared for a strong contest.
Lakers Athletes Make Their Mark at the Special Olympics Summer Games
Following an energising and inspiring Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening, where President Catherine Connolly shared a heartfelt message of good luck with the athletes, Day 1 of the Ireland Games delivered moments of excitement, pride, and celebration - offering a brilliant glimpse of what is yet to come.
Day 2 of competition was just as successful, especially for Lakers Social and Recreation Club, based in Bray.
Munster golfer Paul Kirrane is inspired to give back
With his gutsy performance at the nine hole event today, Paul can be very proud of inspiring everyone around him. We sat down with his mother Mary Rose who shared his story.
2026 Ireland Summer Games Video Highlights: Day 1
Watch our Video Highlights and experience the action, magic and atmosphere of the Ireland Games, all at your fingertips. Step into the heart of the Games and relive the moments that made this celebration so special.
Summer Games Shine as Connaught Athletes Take Centre Stage
Following an energising and inspiring Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening, where President Catherine Connolly shared a heartfelt message of good luck with the athletes, Day 1 of the competitions delivered moments of excitement, pride, and celebration - offering a brilliant glimpse of what is yet to come.
One athlete who didn’t let the weather dampen his determination was Ruari O’Toole from Spiddal, who placed third in kayaking for Team Connaught.
First day of Ireland Games competition brings excitement and energy as athletes make their mark
The first full day of competition in the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Games was a triumph of skill, determination, team spirit, and energy.
Ireland Summer Games Opening Ceremony - Tallaght Stadium
It was truly a night to remember as the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly officially opened the Ireland Summer Games in Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, kicking off an unforgettable celebration of sport, inclusion and community.
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