Mental Health Ireland and Rugby Players Ireland team up to support Special Olympics Team Ireland

Rugby Players Ireland and Mental Health Ireland teamed up on Saturday to support the Special Olympics Team Ireland Athletes to prepare for the excitement, pressure, and emotional highs and lows of the the up coming World Winter Games in Turin.

Special Olympics Team Ireland was officially launched on Friday, and they jumped straight into action with a training session on Saturday, followed by a powerful "Tackle Your Feelings" workshop at the Maldron Hotel, Clondalkin. Panellists included: Sports Psychologist Steven McIvor (former IRFU & Paralympic Sports Psychologist), Olympic Rugby Sevens players; Kathy Baker and Niall Comerford, Claire Flynn from Mental Health Ireland, Special Olympics World Health Ambassador Margaret Turley, and athlete Lorcan Daly.

Dr. Kathy Fulcher, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator – Special Olympics Ireland was excited about the collaboration: “It is so exciting to work together with the Rugby Players Ireland and Mental Health Ireland to open up the discussion on the rollercoaster of emotions that goes along with sports and competition. I am sure that the shared personal experiences of athletes from RFI and SO, who have lived through the excitements and disappointments of big events, will help to prepare and motivate our Team Ireland athletes for their World Games experience”.

Claire Flynn, Development Officer with Mental Health Ireland said: “It was an honour to be part of the conversation with these high-performance athletes from different disciplines about the challenges, successes and lessons gained through competing at this extraordinary level. When athletes are supported, sport has the power to knock down barriers, to empower, and to inspire a nation and beyond. It’s important that we keep learning from each other about how to continue to create an inclusive and uplifting space for all athletes.”

Kathy Baker shared her stories of facing challenges head on, saying, the team “allowed themselves time to be upset, it was the time when we were in the locker room, and then the ice baths, you could cry, be angry or whatever you needed, but then once you were out, and dressed, it was done, you had put it away and it was time to move on”. Niall Comerford also offered advice about reflection: “I think it was really important, even if you didn’t perform as well as you might have liked, you know you did your best, and left nothing on the pitch, but afterwards we always take time to review the game, so you know your not making the same mistakes again, and that you can go back to the pitch prepared and stronger”

One standout moment was Steven McIvor’s key advice for navigating the emotional rollercoaster of competition: “None of us are perfect, as Niall said, a ball can bounce a certain way, and you lose control, the thing to remember is as long as you have done your best, that’s the success”. "What you need is connection—with your teammates, family, and friends when times get tough. You also need planning—to prepare for the highs and lows, knowing who you can turn to. After it’s all over, take time for rest and reflection. Then, reconnect with your team and set new goals to stay focused."

Team Ireland will be training hard over the next 173 days, getting ready to represent Ireland in Floorball and Alpine Skiing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy! This is just the beginning of their journey, both physically and mentally, as they prepare for the challenges ahead! Find out more about Special Olympics Team Ireland at the World Winter Games HERE