SEVERAL Southside athletes have returned to a heroes’ welcome following their success at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.
Thomas Caulfield (23) and Lorcan Byrne (35) from Ballyfermot helped secure a fifth-place ribbon for Team 2 of Ireland’s floorball squad while Niall Flynn (30) from Dun Laoghaire and Laoise Kenny (16) from Monkstown were part of Team Ireland’s alpine skiing squad.
Both athletes competed in the Novice Giant Slalom on the slopes of Schladming with Niall moving on to the Super Glide event later in the week. Laoise finished fourth in both the Novice Slalom and Giant Slalom.
While some of the athletes had competed in Special Olympics Games previously, including multiple World and European Games, for Lorcan and Laoise this was their first time taking part in a World Games competitively.
Team Ireland were greeted with a heroes’ welcome at their official homecoming at Dublin Airport.
Fans celebrated as 26 athletes from both floorball and alpine skiing returned with a haul of two Gold, three Silver, three Bronze medals and ribbons for fourth and fifth places.
Speaking at the homecoming, Team Ireland Ski Coach, Jill Sloan, praised the skiers, stating: “They were just unbelievable. They learn so much when they go away as well. Skiing is only part of it, they learn so many different social skills – people seem to forget about that.”
Jill added: “Niall was so excited. He took 3.5 seconds off his second run in the Super Glide. He was just so happy and so amazing. He was nervous, but he overcame it which is what you want.
“Laoise did really, really well. She was so close to the bronze medal.”
Team 2 Head Coach, Michael Lynch, commended the Floorball players, saying: “At the start, the lads were nervous because, for most of them, it was their first tournament but they played wonderfully and showed great sportsmanship.
“Thomas [Caulfield] was the captain and he really shone. He was encouraging the guys to play and encouraging them to get into their positions.
“Lorcan [Byrne] knew how to do man-to-man defence and he was very valuable to me.”
Speaking in the Arrivals Hall, Team Ireland Head of Delegation, Karen Coventry, said it had been a proud week for Irish sport.
“This group of athletes went to a World Games with 2,600 athletes from 105 nations and absolutely gave it their all. Every single floorballer and alpine skier has come home a better athlete than when they left and they have earned memories that will last them a lifetime. Their performances and the support was exactly what you would expect at international level.”
Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English remarked that Team Ireland’s achievements were only possible with the support of volunteers, supporters and sponsors both at home and abroad.
“A huge amount of work and resources go into competing at this level and planning for Austria 2017,” he said. “Huge thanks must go firstly to the coaches and volunteers who were part of our 38-person delegation, but there were a further 90 volunteers who raised funds to come out and be part of this experience.
“The great news is that the journey for athletes doesn’t end here. All over Ireland the training and competition continues week in and week out, thanks to the support of local clubs, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters.
“You can play your part to support more athletes by getting involved in our Collection Day on May 5.
“Whether it’s rattling a bucket for a couple of hours on the day or making whatever contribution you can, we’re hoping Dublin comes out in force again this year.”
To keep up to date with Team Ireland following their return from the Special Olympics World Winter Games, follow Special Olympics Ireland on Twitter and on Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsIreland and facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsIreland
