Team Ireland Launch - World Winter Games - Turin 2025

Team Ireland’s athletes have trained tirelessly to secure their place, with eight athletes set to compete in floorball, a fast-paced team sport, and six athletes competing in Alpine skiing. These athletes are a shining example of perseverance and determination, and their achievements are a testament to their hard work and passion for sport.

The official launch of Team Ireland was celebrated at an event in Salesforce Tower in Dublin, where athlete ambassador, Ashwin Malayaki, delivered an inspiring message as he introduced the teams, commending their hard work and commitment: “Their teamwork and energy are unstoppable. They’ve trained hard and are a true force to be reckoned with at the Winter World Games!”

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghan also spoke at the event, paying tribute to the athletes as true ambassadors for Ireland : "Their passion, drive, and commitment are a real inspiration, and I am so proud to be able to stand here today and celebrate this occasion with you. You are all welcome to the Mansion House before you go, and we would be proud to have you back to the Mansion for a celebration party when you return!”

Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, delivered a rousing speech which highlighted the importance of shining a light on the incredible athletes and the clubs volunteers and families that support them: “A huge thank you to all the clubs out there, we have over 260 across the Island of Ireland. Thank you to the volunteers and to the family members who help and support our athletes week in and week out, and last but definitely not least, what an amazing achievement for these Athletes, we are so proud. Let’s be there for Team Ireland, we need greater visibility for them, their stories deserve to be told, and we need the media to join us in celebrating their achievements! Go Team Ireland”

Special Olympics Ireland extends its gratitude to the loyal supporting partners who make it possible for athletes to train and compete year-round, empowering up to 8,000 athletes across the island of Ireland. Among these partners is Ireland’s leading telecommunications company, eir, which is preparing to celebrate its 40th year supporting Special Olympics Ireland. eir alongside other valued sponsors such as Gala, Aer Lingus, and Sports Direct, continues to play a pivotal role in helping athletes to achieve their dreams and compete on the highest level.

As proud supporters of Special Olympics Ireland and Team Ireland’s Floorball team, eir CEO Oliver Loomes shared his enthusiasm about the partnership and the company’s enduring commitment to the Special Olympics.“For nearly 40 years, we have proudly partnered with Special Olympics Ireland and supporting Team Ireland’s Floorball team at the Turin 2025 Games

marks another important milestone in our journey toward promoting inclusivity and empowering athletes through the unifying power of sport.'

“These athletes embody the courage, resilience, and spirit that define Ireland, and we are honoured to stand behind them as they continue to break down barriers and inspire local communities right across the island of Ireland.”

As Team Ireland prepares to take on the world at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, Special Olympics Ireland, together with its partners, is encouraging the nation to rally behind these athletes. Follow their journey through Special Olympics Ireland’s social channels and dedicated World Games pages and cheer them on as they showcase the very best of Ireland’s sporting spirit. For more visit Team Ireland - World Winter Games, Turin 2025 | Special Olympics Ireland

Meet Team Ireland - Floorball Team, proudly supported by eir

· James Hunter, Cork

· Jack Buckley, Cork

· Joseph Sheehan, Cork

· Gavin Bourke, Cork

· Frank O'Dwyer, Tipperary

· Niall Corcoran, Waterford

· James Upton, Waterford

· Damien Kirwan, Waterford

Meet Team Ireland - Alpine Skiing Team:

· Lorraine Whelan, Wicklow/Dublin

· Donal Brennan, Dublin

· Maire Connolly, Galway

· Lucy Best, Belfast

· Caolan McConville, Antrim

· Clive Healy, Waterford

Here from the Atheletes! Interesting Snippets from Fireside Chat with Rob Hartnett, CEO, Sports for Business, Lorraine Whelan, Ski Team and Joseph Sheehan, Floorball Team:

Louise Whelan 5 time Special Olympic World Games Athlete, Ski Team: “I want to thank my mum and my dad for always being there for me, for sticking by me, for their dedication”

Rob Harntett: How do you stay committed to the sport, how have you gotten to 5 World Games, “Go to training every week, and work hard, listen do your best and train train train, You got this!

What is it like walking in the arena at a World Games, “I can’t wait I am so excited to be there, it is like nothing you can imagine being there with your team, the feeling is huge, it’s so exciting… to represent your country on the international stage against Hungry, Croatia, Italy, and we are all there together, I am so proud to represent Ireland, it’s amazing really amazing”

Joe Sheehan – (Floorball Team) on why Special Olympics means a lot to him “I meet a lot of people, I get to travel, I make friends wherever I go, it’s exciting, it’s really exciting” “Floorball for me, it’s the pace, the speed, I love shooting from a distance, it’s a great game”

Louise Whelan “We are going for gold, and if we can’t get gold we will try our best to get a silver or bronze, we will do our best for Ireland”

Photographic Content Available at the link HERE (with captions) with more available through Sportsfile

Photography with thanks to Ray McManus - Sportsfile.