Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr John Paul O’Shea hosted a Mayoral Reception on Monday, February 1st in County Hall recognising the incredible achievements of Cork athletes at the 2015 Special Olympic World Summer Games.
In total Team Ireland returned home with 82 medals and 41 Placement Ribbons. Cork athletes were key contributors to this tally and the following recipients were honoured at the Mayoral Reception.
Cork County Council held a Mayoral Reception at County Hall to honour the tremendous accomplishments of six Cork competitors at the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Pictured (left to right): Colm Monahan, Ballincollig, Laura Aherne, Carrigaline, Trudy Hyland, College Road, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea, Mayor of the County of Cork, Lisa O’Brien, Ballyhea, Tim Lucey, Chief Executive, Cork County Council, Aoife O’Sullivan, Ballinlough and Sean Coleman, Youghal. Photo: Martin Walsh.
• Laura Ahern, Glanmire, Gold in gymnastics.
• Aoife O’Sullivan, Ballinlough, Gold and double Bronze in gymnastics.
• Sean Coleman, Youghal, double Silver in aquatics.
• Lisa O’Brien, Ballyhea, double Bronze in athletics.
• Colm Monahan, Ballincollig, 5th place ribbon in football
• Trudy Hyland, College Road, Cork, 5th place ribbon in golf
Cork County Council Chief Executive Tim Lucey said he was delighted to see the six Cork Olympians in the Council Chamber and commended their fulfilment of the Olympic spirit, that of participation first with competition second. He also complimented the support team around the athletes including friends, coaches and parents.
Lisa O’Brien from Ballyhea, Charleville, Co. Cork secured two Bronze medals in the 50 meter and 25 meter sprints at the Special Olympics.
Trudy Hyland spoke of the athletes experience at the games and how since their return they had been treated like celebrities. Sean Coleman also spoke and thanked the athlete’s parents and all the people of Cork for their support.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr John Paul O’Shea said ‘As Mayor of the County of Cork and on behalf of the people of Cork I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each Cork Olympian on their fantastic performances. They have made their families, friends, clubs and the people of Cork very proud. They represented Ireland with distinction and have shown the amazing results that can be achieved with dedication and commitment.’
