Special Olympics
Castlebar Special Olympic Athletes
By Carmel Dooley
9, Jun 2003 - 20:38

Ciara Joyce

Ciara lives in Ballyheane and trains with Special Olympics Strikers Bowling Club.

She will be representing Ireland in bowling. She trains twice a week locally and travels to Dublin for monthly training sessions. She comes from a keen sporting family. Her family are involved in horse riding and Ciara has competed in the past in Equestrian events in Special Olympics World Games. Ciara is currently a trainee in NTDI, Breaffy Rd, Castlebar.

Noel will be representing Ireland in tabletennis. He hails from Lightfoot, Castlebar and is no stranger to Special Olympics. He represented Ireland in swimming in the World Games in Connecticut in 1995. He is a keen golfer and attends the VTC in Castlebar.

Noel is ably supported in his sporting endeavours by his dad Martin and coach Kevin Devaney.

Michael is from Islandeady and will be representing Ireland in the equestrian competitions. He also attends the VTC in Castlebar where he is supported by Nora Roche. He has a great interest in art.

He trains at Turlough Equestrian Centre and receives huge encouragement there from Charlie Shaw and Sandra Duffy.