A send-off gathering took place in Tullamore recently for two Offaly athletes before they departed to compete in the Irish National Special Olympic Games in Dublin.
The event was held in The Bridge House Hotel on Thursday, June 18 and was attended by friends, family and coaches of Tullamore duo Moira Scott and Aidan Bryant who participated in the prestigious competition which ran from June 18-21.
Both athletes train with the Tullamore Special Olympics Sports Club and done Offaly proud at the games with impressive showings in their individual sports.
They both represented Leinster with Moira Scott competing in kayaking marking her third appearance at the event whilst Aidan Bryant took part in the 15 meter swimming kick event.
Offaly Cathaoirleach Declan Harvey and Offaly TD Carol Nolan also attended the farewell event in Tullamore and offered words of encouragement for the two talented athletes.
Speaking at the gathering, Councillor Harvey said: “We’re here to show support to our two athletes and our athletes from the past are here as well to support them. I’m going to wish them the best of luck and for everyone to give them a big round of applause.”
Deputy Nolan also took the opportunity to wish the two athletes well as she stated: “I wish you both the very, very best of luck, we’re very proud to have athletes representing us and we’re fully behind you.”
The independent TD concluded: “It’s a fantastic achievement to get to where you have and that’s through hard work, dedication and commitment and of course, sacrifice and we’re cognizant of that, we wish you both the best of luck and I’m delighted to be here this morning with you all.”
Photos courtesy of Ger Rogers Photography.
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1. Offaly Special Olympics Athletes Moira Scott, Kayaking and Aidan Bryant, Swimming pictured with Tullamore Special Olympics club members at back Patrick Moore, Lee Hensey with in front Moira Scott, Conor Dwyer, Ellen Gavin and Aidan Bryant. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo
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2. Van Gillessen Moira's Kayaking coach at back with Lesley Frances, Darren Butler BOI, Maire Bríd Gallagher with in the middle Siobhan McDonagh, Volunteer, Paul McLoughlin, Director of Services Offaly County Council, Claire Dunne and Deirdre Fox Offaly Volunteer Centre, Jean Brady Offaly Sports Partnership and in front Olive Geraghty BOI, Matthew McCourtney, Tullamore Credit Union, Katie Troy, Moira Scott, Kayaking and Aidan Bryant, Swimming Athletes, Cllr. Declan Harvey Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, Colette Sweeney Swimming Coach and Deputy Carol Nolan TD. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo
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3. Attending a Breakfast send off for Offaly Special Olympics athletes Moira Scott Kayaking and Aidan Bryant, Swimming as they prepared to head to the Special Olympics Ireland Games were at back L. - R. Saidbh Roche, Thady Roche and Van Gillessen Moira's coach and in the second row Lesley Frances, Darren Butler BOI, Maire Bríd Gallagher 3rd row Siobhan McDonagh, Volunteer, Paul McLoughlin, Director of Services Offaly County Council, Claire Dunne and Deirdre Fox Offaly Volunteer Centre, Jean Brady Offaly Sports Partnership and in front Anne Starling Offaly Special Olympics , Matthew McCourtney, Tullamore Credit Union, Moira Scott, Joe Bousaadda, General Manager Bridge House Hotel, Deputy Carol Nolan TD, Cllr. Declan Harvey Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, Olive Geraghty BOI and Sheila Foy Offaly Special Olympics. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo
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4. Cllr. Declan Harvey Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council and Deputy Carol Nolan were pictured when they attended a breakfast in the Bridge House Hotel to see off Offaly Special Olympics athletes Moira Scott, Kayaking and Aidan Bryant, Swimming before they set off for the Special Olympics Ireland Games. Ger Rogers Photography
Ger Rogers Photo