Back, from left, Daragh Hastings, Darragh Finn, Adam Carpenter, Deirdre Nevin, Kai Tiernan, Olaf Korba, Nuala Burns, Stuart Walsh, Liam Foley, (Navan SO), Robbie O’Hare, Francis Power; front, Philomena O’Hare, Bethany Kelly, Emma Murray, Emily Logan (Breffni Blues) Emma Brady, Elaine Fahy, Andree Connolly. Absent from photo are Ciaran McGlew, Cliodhna O’Rourke, Michael Macken and Paul Alford.

20 Navan Arch Club members for Special Olympics Ireland Games

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Navan Arch, a social and sports club for people with intellectual disabilities, is celebrating a major milestone after 20 of its athletes were selected to compete in the Special Olympics Ireland Games 2026, set to take place in Dublin next June. The club, which has over 120 members, meets weekly for both social and sporting activities, ranging from dancing, bingo, arts and crafts, and holiday trips, to table tennis, basketball, floorball, swimming, and bowling. Members also enjoy concerts, discos, and performing in their own variety shows.

Navan Arch’s proudest achievement has been its involvement in Special Olympics. 90 members compete across sports such as basketball, bocce, bowling, MAPT, swimming, and table tennis, representing Meath, Leinster, and Ireland. Over the years, the club has brought home medals from World Games in the U.S., China, Greece, Abu Dhabi, and Germany.

Mary Davitt, Secretary of the club, expressed her delight at the recent selections. “This is a great achievement and honour to have so many athletes chosen. It’s a true sign of the dedication and hard work put in by the athletes, as well as our wonderful coaches and volunteers,” she said.

However, she added that preparing for the Games also brings practical challenges. “We need to raise €13,125 to cover costs for the athletes to attend. Over the next few months, we have lots of fundraising events planned, and we’d be delighted for the support of people in Navan and the wider Meath area, as you have so generously given in the past.”

To assist with fundraising, Navan Arch has also set up a GoFundMe page, which can be accessed via their Facebook page, Navan Arch.

The 20 athletes selected will represent Leinster in basketball, bowling, bocce, MAPT, swimming, and table tennis. For the club and its members, participation in the Special Olympics is about more than medals—it’s an opportunity for personal achievement, teamwork, and community pride.

“We are incredibly proud of all our athletes,” said Davitt. “Any support from the community will help these talented young people pursue their dreams and continue to showcase the spirit, dedication, and joy that Navan Arch is known for.”

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