Monaghan Special Olympics athletes set for Summer Games
Monaghan Special Olympics Club is preparing to send 21 athletes to compete across five sports at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026, which take place from June 18 to 21. The club, which supports 63 athletes aged between 16 and 63, continues to provide year-round training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities across the county.
Special Olympics is unique in offering sporting opportunities for all ability levels, with athletes divided into appropriate divisions to ensure fair competition and recognition for every participant. The organisation offers training in athletics, aquatics, ten-pin bowling, table tennis, basketball and soccer. Athletes also take part in dance classes and Gaelic training throughout the summer months.
The club’s mission is to ensure that every person with an intellectual disability has the opportunity to participate in sport within their local community. Through high-quality sporting and development programmes, athletes gain new skills, build self-confidence and experience the joy of achievement.
Chairperson Margaret McElroy highlighted the commitment required from athletes and their families throughout the year. “On the road every day,” she said, describing the travel demands involved in attending Ulster training sessions at various locations. Among those is her daughter Clare, who will take part in table tennis. Clare previously won gold in swimming but trains across all six sports offered by the club.
The financial burden of travel and competition can be significant, which is why fundraising plays such an important role in supporting the club. Margaret praised the generosity of local supporters, including Monaghan Golf Club, which raised €1,750 during its Captain’s Weekend, and fitness coach Eimear McKenna, who raised €1,400 by asking friends and family to donate to the club instead of buying birthday gifts.
While most of the money goes towards travel expenses and accommodation at the Summer Games in Dublin, Margaret is happy the athletes can feel appreciated: “We can also buy kitbags for everybody. Little bits like that mean a lot to them.”
Eimear explained the motivation behind her fundraising effort: “Turning 30 felt like the perfect excuse to do something a little more meaningful this year,” she said. “The energy, craic, and pure joy they bring is something special – absolute legends. Presenting the cheque to athletes and coaches in Gortakeegan was “a really special moment”.
To read about the Cavan athletes going to the games, click here.