A Special Olympics athlete was inspired by her late mother to secure a gold medal for her team mates, less than a month after her death.
Maria Quigley from Mountbellew in Co Galway secured the win for Team Connacht in the bocce competition at the University of Limerick.
The 26-year-old’s father Tommy was overcome with emotion as he spoke with pride about his only child insisting, despite the sudden loss of his wife last month, they wouldn’t have missed the national games.
“It was very emotional for us when she won. Her mother Bridie had it all arranged for us to go… but I was going to come for Bridie anyway because she had everything planned,” Mr Quigley said.
“When she won the silver first, she said ‘gold is next Dad but I’ll have to play dirty!’ She was three down and it was like winning an All-Ireland. A final is a final no matter what you are in. We are all so proud,” he added.
Maria, who is looking forward to the homecoming celebrations tonight said:
“They played by favourite song ‘Galway Girl’ after I won, it was brilliant.”
After three action-packed days, Special Olympics Ireland 2014 is drawing to a close today, but the legacy and impact of the games will continue far beyond the weekend in Limerick.
It was an extra special Father’s Day for many of the proud Dads watching their children compete in the 14 different sports at venues across Limerick city and the wider region.
Some 1,500 athletes have taken part in this year’s event supported by more than 3,000 volunteers and 600 coaches.
Out of these games, 100 athletes will be chosen to represent Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles next year.
Cork man Billy Walsh was thrilled when his daughter Margaret (21) won two gold medals and three silver medals for gymnastics, representing Team Munster.
“It is always a thrill to get out with Margaret but this is certainly a very special Father’s Day,” said Mr Walsh, hugging his youngest child.
A native of Middleton in Co Cork, Margaret was “over the moon” with her medals and was among the athletes getting their photos taken with the Liam McCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups which were brought to UL for the occasion.
“It was very heavy but it was nice to life it,” said Margaret after lifting the Liam McCarthy.
The youngest of four children, Margaret was also supported at the games by her mother Margaret.
“It is great to have her taking part in all of this. We were in Shanghai in 2007 where she won two golds and three ribbons and we will keep our fingers crossed for LA.”
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