Homecoming Hero!

Friends and family gather in Trim to celebrate Liam's golden days in Turkey

With the familiar sound of Vangelis's 'Chariots of Fire' playing loud and clear in the background Liam Foley bounded into the room at the Castle Arch Hotel on Friday night.

As he did so the large number of people in attendance rose to their feet and clapped loudly, their cheers drowning out the music that has become a theme for global athletics over the years. Seldom was the inspiring music, or the standing ovation, more appropriate or deserved.

The big tricolour that covered the top table said a lot. 'Congratulations Liam' read the large logo on the national flag. This was a night to praise a true hero of Irish sport who went out to foreign fields and conquered all, returning home with not one, but TWO gold medals from the World Trisome Games held in the coastal city of Antalya, Turkey last month.

Liam, who is from the Hill of Down and a member of Trim Athletic Club, claimed gold in Turkey by overcoming world class opposition and warm conditions to prevail; his fitness (he's an dedicated trainer), determination and talent seeing him through.

He produced a perfectly time performance to claim first place in the 1500m. If that wasn't enough he conjured up another outstanding finish to win the 800m in a thrilling conclusion to the race. Last September Liam also won two gold medals at the SUDS European Athletic Championships in Padua, Italy.

The Trisome Games is a multi-sport world championship event for athletes with Down Syndrome and was due to be originally held in March 2020 but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Liam's performances in Turkey has ensured he is now one of the highest ranking athletes in his disciplines in the world.

It's no wonder then there was a big turn out of people at the Trim event on Friday night including many of Liam's friends and their parents. A leading light in the Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath Branch, Ellie Cosgrove, welcomed everyone to the event before adding that it was highly appropriate that Liam's “amazing achievement” should be highlighted, savoured and celebrated.

Liam spoke also about how delighted he was with the number of people who turned out, including many of his family members such as his sister Emma who travelled from England for the event.

He thanked those who helped him along the way. There was a special mention for his mother Geraldine and father Kevin Foley (who scored that famous goal for Meath in the four-game saga against Dublin in 1991). He also thanked his coach, John Rowe. “It's a fantastic night,” said Liam who was also a nominee for the 2023 Meath Chronicle Sports Awards in the Outstanding Achievements category.

Also among those in attendance was Fergus Cosgrove who chalked up an amazing, unusual double in Antalya winning bronze in triathlon. He was called in at the last minute to help out the Irish soccer team and played against Italy after running the 200m that morning. Fergus, who had trained with the squad prior to the Games, was later awarded with his cap by FAI's Director of Football Mark Canham along with the other players. There were plenty of other champions in attendance on Friday night.

Yet while there was a real sense of joy and celebration at the Castle Arch on Friday night there is a more serious side to it all. The event was attended by local councillor Noel French who pointed out that there is no funding available for athletes who take part in competitions like the Trisome Games.

Fundraising events are held by governing groups and individuals but otherwise families have to resort to their own resources. It takes thousands of euro for parents to fund a trip to somewhere like Turkey for the Games. Some fundraising takes place but each individual family, more often than not, have to dig into their own resources.

There is no specific funding generated by State, government or lottery for anything to do with Down Syndrome Sports even though their members are competing at elite level - and as Liam Foley demonstrated so powerfully in Turkey - Irish athletes are going to those competitions, competing with the best, the elite of the world, and returning home with gold medals.

Or in Liam’s case TWO gold medals.