Leinster Regional News

This month, meet Sheelah Watson, a dedicated volunteer engaged in many aspects of her community and many facets of Special Olympics.

SportABILITY Day 2025 brought together athletes, coaches and families for an incredible day of inclusion, activity and fun. 

Saturday 13th September was a day filled with energy, learning, and leadership as 11 athletes took part in Fitness Captain Training. The training brought together a fantastic group of athletes eager to take the next step in supporting their teammates and promoting healthy habits. 

Find out about longstanding volunteer Peadar Dempsey in this month's Volunteer Spotlight.

Meet Jim Byrne, a dedicated and positive athlete involved in Special Olympics for nearly 10 years.

Meet volunteer Audrey Barry, who began volunteering with Special Olympics through her workplace after growing up beside a Special Olympics athlete. She's gone on to have unforgettable experiences while making a real difference.

Meet Leinster athlete Deirdre Nevin, a multi-sport marvel with a positive attitude and big dreams!

On May 11th, athletes from across the Leinster and Eastern regions gathered at the Clayton Hotel for a day of inspiration, learning, and celebration. The Athlete Leadership Forum kicked off with registration and a warm welcome, followed by a series of exciting and engaging workshops designed to empower and equip participants.

Irish Football Legend Niall Quinn surprised athletes at the Leinster Regional Bowling Qualifying event on 26th March!

The annual Beryl Kelly Memorial Swim Gala on 25th February was a great success, continuing to honour the legacy of Beryl Kelly as a driving force in Special Olympics and the wider Gorey community.

Meet Edward Coughlan, a vibrant 30-year-old from Ballyfin, Co Laois, who is living life to the fullest despite the challenges of cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Congratulations to veteran Special Olympics volunteer, official, committee member and coordinator Antoinette Campbell for graduating as a Level 2 Coach Developer at the University of Limerick. 

Bocce athletes from across Leinster came together to compete in the Leinster Regional Bocce Tournament at Our Ladies College Terenure on 8th February.

2024 has been a whirlwind of excitement and achievement for Special Olympics Leinster! With 14 spectacular events ranging from skills days to development days, come and try days, inter-regional events, and even the Ireland Winter Games, our athletes have truly shone.

One of the standout moments this year was the impactful presentation delivered to employees of Arthur Cox, by Athlete Leaders John Butler and Deirdre Nevin. Together, they informed the audience about the mission and importance of Special Olympics, sharing personal stories about what Special Olympics means to them.

A group of our female athletes had a delightful way to round up 2024 as they attended the Euro 2025 Qualifiers, Ireland vs Wales on Tuesday 3rd December

Prestigious horse-racing event the Irish Champions Festival played host to some Special Olympics Leinster champions on 14 September, as MEP Nina Carberry welcomed our Leinster equestrian athletes to the Curragh Racecourse as her special guests. 

400m Gold Medallist Emma Costello from Special Olympics Club Navan stars in The National Lottery Good Causes Awards advertisement 'You Made This Possible' which is being aired over the coming weeks on national television.