Pictures: Kilkenny sporting heroes honoured as Mayor hosts our Olympians

Two Kilkenny athletes, who will represent Kilkenny and Ireland at this year’s Special Olympics World Games in Germany in June, were among a dedicated group of sportspeople who were honoured with a Mayoral reception recently.

Local athletes Gemma Haire and Margaret Turley, together with their friends and colleagues from the Kilkenny Special Olympic Club, were guests of Mayor David Fitzgerald in City Hall.

Gemma and Margaret will participate in the SO World Games, which are due to be held in Berlin. Gemma joins the Irish equestrian team while Margaret will compete with the Irish basketball team.

They will join over 7,000 athletes, who will be supported by 3,000 coaches and 20,000 volunteers from 170 countries.
Recognising the achievements of Gemma and Margaret, Mayor Fitzgerald said it was important that we changed the language of disability to reflect a more positive approach to disability.
Joy, Happiness
“We must place far more emphasis on the abilities and talents people have, including the joy and happiness they bring to us all,” he said.

The Mayor presented both athletes with Mayoral certificates of achievement to recognise the significance of their achievements for themselves, their families and the wider community of supporters.

Cllr Maria Dollard also spoke of her personal experience of the Kilkenny Special Olympic Club.
“We all feel like a family when we get together,” she said, thanking the club’s volunteer coaches. “The fun we have as a club is firmly bonded through our many happy shared experiences.”

Both Gemma and Margaret spoke at the celebration, thanking their families and friends for all the support. Gemma Haire thanked, in particular, the equestrian team from Mount Juliet for their sponsorship and guidance throughout the year.
Head Coach of the Ireland Equestrian Team, Etta Hayes, praised Gemma’s dedication and determination and all the athletes she has worked with over a long voluntary career.

Margaret Turley also thanked all the people who helped her on her journey. Margaret, who is originally from Kilkenny and started with Kilkenny SO Club, now lives and works in Dublin.

Margaret, who has a track record in self advocacy, has featured in a recent video as a champion for the recently enacted Supported Decision Making Legislation.

These young women have worked extremely hard to get to these games and were wished well by everyone. The Mayor helped the duo cut a celebratory cake, which was enjoyed by all. They will proudly represent Ireland under the Special Olympics motto. “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”