Kathleen McMeel- one of the players on Ireland’s ladies Five a Side Football team- is shown in action on the cover of the 2008 06 Area regional directory.

Ms McMeel is a service user in the Clonmore industrial service run by the Brothers of Charity and has competed in two previous World Games. She trains twice a week and is said to be “completely dedicated” to her sport.

Also flying the Shannonside flag since October 2 to the end of the games tomorrow (October 11) are Brian Ridgway (Aquatics) and Sharon O’Brien (Table tennis).

Susan Kenny, a Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Daughters of Charity services in Lisnagry and Mr Ridgway’s trainer was one of many local people sending messages of support to the athletes. “Brian is very good and works very hard so I reckon he has a great chance. He won a gold medal at the national games but there is a lot of competition for the places to go on to the world games so we were delighted when he was picked to go. He’s very sociable and well spoken and will enjoy everything about it- especially competing.”

The swimmer, currently doing trade training in Lisnagry, is in the 25 metre freestyle and relay events.

Two volunteers from Limerick, Patrick Halpin and Zoe O’Malley, are part of the volunteer contingent of 200 that have accompanied the 197-strong team of coaches and athletes.

The Special Olympic torch passed through city and county two weeks ago, visiting the People’s Park, the Crescent Shopping Centre and Bruff overnight as part of its travels to raise awareness of the games.
Ireland’s team was drawn from the 34,000 people with a learning disability nationwide and was given an official send-off by President Mary McAleese last week.

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