Special Olympics torch comes to Coosan NS
Ahead of the Special Olympics Ireland summer games kicking off next week, the iconic Special Olympics torch visited Coosan NS on Thursday last.
The visit of the torch, which caused plenty of excitement at the Athlone school, was a reward for its participation in a 'Laps For Inclusion' Special Olympics fun run fundraiser.
Sinead Blaney, a teacher at the school who organised the fun run with her colleague Thomas Keogh, said Coosan was the top fundraising school, raising €3,500, which resulted in the Special Olympics torch paying a visit.
Sinead said the pupils had been crafting handmade torches from cardboard for the 'Laps For Inclusion' fun run, and so they were thrilled to see and hold the real version last week.
The Special Olympics Ireland summer games will take place at various venues across Leinster from June 18-21, with the opening ceremony being held at Tallaght Stadium.
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Coosan NS pupil Kyle McHugh with the Special Olympics torch at the school on Thursday. all photos: Paul Molloy. Paul Molloy 2026Image 2 of 6
Jan McCormack, Special Olympics Ireland, and Sergeant Paul Kelly with Coosan NS pupils and the Special Olympics torch as it visited the Athlone school last week. Paul Molloy 2026Image 3 of 6
First class pupils were excited when the Special Olympics torch came to Coosan NS. Paul Molloy 2026Image 4 of 6
Teachers Sinead Blaney and Thomas Keogh received a certificate of appreciation from Jan McCormack, Special Olympics Ireland, pictured with Sgt Paul Kelly, Garda Stacey Looby and Garda Lee Kelly, at the arrival of the Special Olympics torch in Coosan NS last week. Paul Molloy 2026Image 5 of 6
The Coosan NS class of 2026 with the Special Olympics torch at the school on Thursday. Paul Molloy 2026Image 6 of 6
Fourth class pupils with the Special Olympics torch when it visited Coosan National School last week. Paul Molloy 2026Westmeath has a strong representation with athletes participating across regional teams, with 22 athletes from Athlone forming part of Team Connacht.
Jayden O’Reilly, 16, from Athlone will be representing Connacht in Bocce, and said he was delighted to be selected. “I was absolutely thrilled when I heard that I made the team,” he said.
Jayden is a proud member of Athlone Special Olympics Club and loves the sense of friendship it brings. “I love going to the club because I get to see all my new friends and we have so much fun,” he commented.
Another athlete from Westmeath, David Corroon, who is a proud member of Shoot’n’Stars Special Olympics Club, is getting ready to compete in basketball.
“I was so happy and proud to make the team. I love being on the basketball team and my coach is proud of me. I will train hard,” David said.
The Special Olympics Ireland summer games will see the athletes show their skills in events such as athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football, golf, both rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, kayaking, swimming, and table tennis.