Cork athletes on the ball
Cork is very well represented at the Special Olympics 2025 World Winter Games which kicked off in Turin, Italy at the weekend.
Leeside athletes Joe Buckley, James Hunter, Gavin Bourke, and Joseph Sheehan make up half of Team Ireland’s eight man floorball team this year.
Overall, 14 athletes will be representing Ireland at the games across two sports: floorball and alpine skiing. The team is made up of eight floorball players and six alpine skiers, all of whom have put in months of preparation alongside their clubs and coaches to be ready for this huge moment.
The team’s journey to Turin was made even more special for Cork athlete Joseph Sheehan who celebrated his birthday mid-flight to Italy. The Aer Lingus crew and pilots surprised him with a birthday cake, ensuring the adventure got off to a memorable start.
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which kicked off on 8 March and runs until this Saturday, brings together over 3,125 athletes from 102 nations, competing across eight winter sports.
Backing the Team Ireland athletes every step of the way is a dedicated group of 42 volunteers who will be on the ground in Turin to support the team throughout the games.
Aer Lingus, a partner of Special Olympics Ireland for over 25 years, again provided flights for the full delegation.
Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, said: “This is the culmination of months of dedication, training, and teamwork. Our athletes have worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of their families, coaches, volunteers, and, of course, our longstanding partner Aer Lingus.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a role in getting Team Ireland to Turin,” added Mr English.
Lynne Embleton, CEO, Aer Lingus, added: “We are immensely proud of the 14 athletes who will represent Ireland at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
“It’s a huge achievement for each individual athlete and the fantastic wider support team behind them to compete at this high level for their country,” she said.
With the games now well underway, all eyes are on Team Ireland as they take to the court and slopes in pursuit of personal bests and podium finishes.
To get breaking news from the ground in Turin, all are invited to sign up to the daily scoreboard newsletter via mailchi.mp/specialolympics/dont-miss-a-moment-world-winter-games. The team can also be followed at the Special Olympics Turin World Winter Games journey on social media.