Special Olympians welcomed by Doherty

Team Ireland who competed in the World Winter Special Olympics in Austria were welcomed home at the weekend by Minister Regina Doherty.

Among them was Patrick Tunstead of Julianstown, a member of the Irish Floorb all Team.

Minister Doherty paid tribute to all involved in the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Speaking from Dublin Airport on Saturday afternoon, the Meath based Minister said “It was fantastic to see Team Ireland doing so well in Austria over the last week, continuing the great legacy of Irish involvement in the Special Olympics movement.

“It was an honour to stand on the runway at the airport to welcome home our 26 strong Team Ireland as they disembarked from their flight from the Winter Games in Austria, including Meath based Patrick Tunstead of Julianstown. 

“They have done themselves and their country incredibly proud returning two gold, three silver and three bronze medals. 

“I would sincerely like to thank volunteers and families who helped the team with the logistics and organisation.  The Special Olympics movement is a great example of good citizenship.

 “I would like particularly to congratulate all the athletes involved. Their training and dedication paid off and Team Ireland returned with a fine medal haul.”

Concluding, Minister Doherty said “Above all I hope all our 26 Irish competitors, the 100 (plus) volunteers and their families had great fun!'