First day of Ireland Games competition brings excitement and energy as athletes make their mark

Athletes from across the island of Ireland represented their regions with pride and a healthy competitive spirit, as they kicked off the Games on Friday, 19^th June with divisioning performances that determined who each athlete and team will be up against in the hard-fought contest for medals and Ireland Games glory.

The action took place across multiple venues in Dublin, Meath and Kildare, in 12 sports including athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football, gymnastics (artistic and rhythmic), golf, kayaking, swimming, table tennis and the non-competitive Motor Activity Training Programme.

Friday Highlights

The Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP) took centre stage at the National Indoor Arena, as athletes took part in a wide range of sporting and physical skills activities for people with additional and complex support needs. Each athlete showed great determination and their practice pad off as they proudly showed what they had learned through months and years of training supported by dedicated coaches and support staff.

Team Munster MATP athlete Mary McDonald is a great example of the impact the MATP programme can have. At 77 years young, she continues to break barriers by learning new skills and taking on fresh challenges.

The Healthy Athletes programme was a highlight, as athletes benefited from health health screenings delivered by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and volunteers who provided health checkups and education to athletes encompassing physical health and mental wellbeing – including Fit Feet, Fun Fitness, Strong Minds, Healthy Hearing provided by partners Blackberry Hearing, and more.

At Kilcloon Equestrian Centre in Co. Kildare, equestrian athletes competed in a range of disciplines showcasing their skill, poise, and well-honed partnership between horse and rider.

Leinster athlete Emmet Mangan is representing Team Leinster, but his mother Geraldine knows just how much today represents for Emmet and the whole family: “When Emmet was very young, we were told that he would never walk or talk, so for Emmet to have achieved things like this – it’s incredible. He loves riding horses and has become very good at it. We’re a very proud family to support Emmet, wherever he comes in the competition, it’s the taking part that counts”.

Back at the National Indoor Arena, Gymnastics teams competed with grace and skill across various Rhythmic and Artistic disciplines – like Aoife Geoghegan, competing in Rhythmic Gymnastics for the Eastern Region with a great ball routine.

The National Aquatic Centre saw athletes from all regions burning up the pool with impressive performances. The months of hard training sessions paid off, as athletes celebrated their performances and basked in the cheers from supporters. The smile on Ulster athlete Ruby Ruddell’s face after her 50m freestyle race says it all!

Table tennis commenced in the Irish Wheelchair Association courts today with play that combined the best aspects of Special Olympics: steely determination, tough competition, and a genuine spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. That spirit comes through clearly as Emma O’Connell of Munster and Cliodhna O’Rourke of Leinster congratulate each other after their match.

Kayaking at the Garda Boat Club was a thrilling sight as kayakers sliced through the Liffey waters with real drive and determination. The effort paid off for Ruairi O’Toole of Connaught – what a celebration!

Golfing action was in full swing at Westmanstown Golf Club, and while the rain was heavy at times, the athletes weren’t put off from their game as Munster’s Michael Murphy shows – driving the ball with skill and focus.

We can't wait to see what the next 2 days of competition will bring - keep an eye on our news stories to find out!