Munster Regional News

The Special Olympics Ireland Volunteer Awards 2025 was held on September 13th in Dublin. These awards are a celebration and recognition of the tireless, amazing work of volunteers that makes our programmes and mission possible. The winners of the Munster Volunteers Award 2025 were Donagh & Carmel Cronin.

The Munster Football Cup took place on June 21st at MTU Arena, with 14 teams taking to the field to compete in their respective divisions.

A proud and unforgettable moment unfolded this week at the 71st Cork City Sports International Athletics Meet, as eight Special Olympics Ireland athletes competed in a dedicated 100m heat — a first in the event’s distinguished history.

The 3-week Health Promotion Programme wrapped up with a buzz on Wednesday 11th June at the Munster Hub — and what a journey it's been! Led by our two brilliant students Lisa and Ruth, the programme was packed with energy, hands-on learning, and plenty of eye-opening moments.

On 21st May, Special Olympics Munster athletes, volunteers and parents attended a workshop with Breast Cancer Ireland, ran by Outreach Co-Ordinator Juliette O'Connell. The evening was informative and engaging, with participants encouraged to download the Breast Aware app, set a monthly reminder and watch the demo video. 

On Saturday 11th May, athletes from Mallow United Special Olympics Club took to the water for the Junior Liffey Descent, showcasing impressive skill, determination, and composure in one of Ireland’s most respected canoeing events.

What a day it was in Midleton, Co. Cork on Saturday, 10th May, as teams from every corner of Munster gathered for the Regional Table Tennis Qualifiers — and the excitement was absolutely off the charts!

The sportsmanship, teamwork, and pure joy on display throughout the day truly captured the heart of Special Olympics. Every athlete gave their best, inspired everyone watching, and reminded us all why we love what we do. Read more about this epic event!

On Tuesday, 30th April, a very special event took place at Waterford City Hall as Mayor Jason Murphy hosted a Mayoral Reception to celebrate Waterford’s athletes who represented Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy.

Family, friends, and club supporters gathered to honour the athletes’ achievements. Mayor Murphy warmly welcomed the team and spoke with pride about their dedication, determination, and the incredible inspiration they’ve provided to the entire community

The Team Ireland Floorball team did us all proud with their bronze medal win, showing plenty of heart, skill, sportsmanship and team spirit along the way! The Munster Region was especially well represented, with Joe Buckley, James Hunter and Gavin Bourke from Mallow, and Joseph Sheehan from Doneraile all active members of Mallow Special Olympics Club. A Civic Reception will be held by Cork County Council for the four Cork heroes in May.

The much-loved and recently deceased Kerry Stars Special Olympics Club member Vincent Lacke was remembered at a hugely successful soccer tournament held in Killarney on Sunday 9th February. 

The event saw men’s and women’s teams from Kerry, Cork and Tipperary take part in a series of soccer matches filled with enthusiasm and determined performances which provided a fitting tribute to the late Vincent, who had a passion for the beautiful game.

Vincent’s sister, Mary Lyne, was on hand to provide the winners’ trophies and medals to the athletes who put on several engaging spectacles at Killarney Sports & Leisure Centre.

A special send-off was held at County Hall on Monday by Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor Joe Carroll, in honour of the four Cork athletes who aim to win gold at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Mallow men Joe Buckley, James Hunter and Gavin Bourke, along with Joseph Sheehan from Doneraile are all members of the Mallow Special Olympics Club, and they are excited to represent their country in floorball, which is a fast-paced indoor team sport that would put your mind to ice hockey.

During his speech, Mr Carroll said the four athletes are an “inspiration to us all.”

“Your dedication, perseverance, and passion for your sport have brought you to this remarkable stage, where you will compete as part of Team Ireland’s Floorball team.

“The entire County of Cork stands behind you with immense pride, and we know that you will represent Ireland with the same determination and spirit that have brought you this far,” Mr Carroll said.

Emma Griffin speaks about the Limerick City Special Olympics Club's experience at the Princess Charlene European Swim Meet in Monaco, on Live 95 Limerick!

What an absolutely fantastic day at the Munster Competition in Tralee!

Read all about Shaun meeting an inspiring MATP athlete during Special Olympics training in Slovakia.

Limerick City Special Olympics Sports Club represented Ireland at the Princess Charlene European Swim Meet in Monaco during the recent October Bank Holiday weekend. A team of 4 athletes, Tara Loftus, Emma Griffin, Andy Coyne, and Brian Lowe competed in the two-day competition against athletes from 28 countries. 

We wanted to highlight the wonderful work of Healthy Messenger, Danielle Cantwell this month - focusing on her wonderful message helped us to promote Healthy Eating Day on November 6th! 

“My Name is Danielle Cantwell. I live in Rochestown Road Cork. I am a member of the Leeside Legends Special Olympics Club in Munster. The sport that I am involved in is athletics, where I do the javelin and the shot put".

Did you know that all of our incredible Team Ireland World Winter Games Floorball team are from Munster?

Here they are training hard for the Winter Games in Buttevant GAA Club in Cork back in October! They have a training session each month, but train with their clubs and individually too! They are very devoted to their sport, and such are such good team mates, always supporting each other, and pushing each other to be great at the game! 

We’re thrilled to spotlight one of the finalists in the Cork Sports Partnership Active Community Awards 2024 in the Active Community Inclusion Category: Blackwater Blazers Special Olympics! 

This remarkable organization is a shining example of inclusivity and empowerment. The Blackwater Blazers are dedicated to providing sporting opportunities for individuals with special needs, offering a space where athletes can thrive, grow, and build lifelong connections.