Limerick's bowling kingpin Paul enjoys a surprise party after gold medals!
Golden moment for Georgian Village man Paul O’Neill!
A TALENTED ten-pin bowling player, who won two gold medals at the Special Olympics, was left speechless after his friends organised a surprise celebration for him.
Paul O’Neill was part of the Munster team which took part in the Special Olympics Ireland games, which took place across 10 venues in Dublin.
The Georgian Village man competed at Leisureplex in Coolock, where he scored six strikes in 10 rounds to win first place in his singles category.
He followed it up with a gold medal in the doubles section.
Sadly, Paul missed a photoshoot for the returning Olympians at Limerick Colbert station.
But city centre GP, Dr Nicola Stapleton wanted to ensure Paul enjoyed another moment of glory – and organised a special celebration for him at her surgery in John’s Square.
It is here she works alongside Paul’s sister, nurse Helena O’Neill.
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Paul was presented with cake, and chocolate and a gold balloon to reflect the category of medals he won.
“I was not expecting this at all,” Paul said, unable to keep the smile off his face. “I thought it was going to be a quiet day. I was only coming in to meet my sister!”
Paul has been bowling for 20 years, practicing mainly at the Funworld alley in Ennis Road.
"I just love it. When you’re having a bad day, it takes your mind off things,” Paul said.
Staff at Funworld kindly donated his bowling shoes and a bowling ball to allow him to compete in the Special Olympics.
But on top of this, he had to also raise €500.
The Rehab Day Care centre chipped in with a big chunk of this, and generous neighbours and friends also donated.
Paul in fact raised more than €500, and donated what was left over to another Special Olympian to ensure they too had the opportunity to enjoy June’s Ireland games.
He admits he was surprised to win one gold medal, let alone two.
"I couldn’t believe how fast I was. Even my coach was saying, how the hell did I do it? He said there must be something in the water down here,” he smiled.
Paul, who competed in the Special Olympics Ireland games here in Limerick in 2010, has made friends for life.
"My teammates were great craic. I met people from Ulster, Leinster, people from the south-west and all over the country. It was great to make new friends and the days flew by. You’re competing, but you’d still cheer the other competitors on," he told Limerick Live.
Something else that stood out for the Special Olympian was the garda escort they were given from their accommodation at University College Dublin to the various sites, with the focal point being Tallaght Stadium on the southside of the capital.
The home ground of Shamrock Rovers FC hosted the opening ceremony, featuring the parade of athletes, the Torch Run, the lighting of the Flame of Hope, speeches, and entertainment.
Paul’s sister Helena said: “It was fabulous, the atmosphere was great, and the camaraderie from all regions was great. It didn’t matter if you were from Limerick, Leinster or Connacht, everyone cheered on everyone!”
She thanked Dr Stapleton for organising the celebration.
"Paul had missed the train back to Limerick and a photo opportunity so this is a real treat for him.”
Dr Stapleton added: “We thought it would be such a special thing to do for Paul. He has done so well. It’s very exciting for him and his whole family.”