Olympians receive heroes' return

Two Cavan athletes have returned home from the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, bearing a haul of medal, having done both their country and county proud. Bowler Angela Cleary from Killeshandra and kayaker Eoghan Comerford from Ballinagh are members of the Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club which, for the first time ever, had athletes compete on the world stage. Both Angela and Eoghan arrived at Dublin Airport with their fellow Team Ireland members on Monday last (June 26), and received a rapturous reception from family and friends when arriving back in their respective hometowns.

A joyous celebration for both athletes was organised by Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club on Tuesday evening at the Meadowview in Cavan Town.

Eoghan scored bronze in the 500 metre competition at the weekend, on top of the silver he’d earned in the 200 metres competition days earlier.

“I just wanted to do the best I could,” a delighted Eoghan told The Anglo-Celt.

Like Angela, Berlin was Eoghan’s first World Games.

Eoghan (34) has been active with Breffni Blues Special Olympics Club since 2016, in a variety of sports from bocce to golf, and athletics, with various levels of national success.

He only began competing in kayaking in recent years, and trains under the tutelage of Sean Ledwith at Cavan Adventure Centre.

“I never thought I’d do so well. So I’m very happy,” said modest Eoghan.

Angela describes the experience of travelling with and being part of Team Ireland, representing the country in Berlin, as “brilliant”.

Angela (29) claimed a bronze medal in the doubles bowling event, a sixth in the teams, and fourth in the individual competition.

The 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games, which welcomed around 7,000 athletes from approximately 170 countries to compete in the 24 sports, concluded at the weekend.