Margaret Carr and Thomas Connolly
WINNING a Gold medal at the Olympics Games doesn’t happen all that much and when it does, it needs to be celebrated.
That was certainly the case for Calry’s Margaret Carr, who won Gold in the golf competition at the Games in Los Angeles and she was welcomed back home to Sligo by huge crowds of supporters.
Margaret has become synonymous within the Special Olympics golfing world, where she is now famous for being the first female player in18 hole Special Olympics golf.
Margaret is a member of the Sligo Fairways and Splashin’ Penguins Club and followed her incredible success at the World Games with more wins at the Special Olympics Area Games.
A Gold medal in swimming was quickly followed by a Gold in golf as Margaret kept up the winning momentum.
Myra Merrick, Regional Director, Special Olympics Connacht, said Margaret is a shining example for fellow athletes with her dedication and commitment to her sport.
“Margaret really is a brilliant example of the athletes that are the heart of Special Olympics.
“Margaret trains very hard and doesn’t take her selection for granted.
“She puts in 110% effort into her training and preparation while displaying full pride in all of her sporting ventures. Margaret represented Sligo on Team Ireland at the World Summer Games in Los Angeles and did her county so proud, bringing home an Olympic Gold to a deserved Champion’s welcome to Ireland and Sligo.” ALSO receiving a heroes’ welcome after he returned clutching Gold and Silver Olympic medals was a beaming Thomas Connolly from Coolaney.
Thomas is a recognised name across Ireland in the equestrian world. He won an incredible Gold and Silver in the Equestrian competition at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, an experience he said he will never forget.
The athlete has kept up his sporting achievements throughout 2016 with more medal wins - he also took home a Gold and Silver at the Special Olympics Area Games. A member of the Nightriders Club, Thomas also participates in other sports with Rehabcare Sligo. Thomas is a great inspiration and leader to those in the world of Special Olympics.
He always invest 100% into his sports and the evidence is in his track record when representing himself, his county, and his country.
Thomas is a name synonymous with sporting achievement in Sligo, whether locally or on a world stage and he deserves this award for putting Sligo in the spotlight as a result of his sporting success.
He spoke with Jessica Farry of the Sligo Champion after he returned from Los Angeles. A delighted Thomas said: “I’m very happy with my medal. I had a great time but there was too much heat.
“I’m very happy to be home. I want to thank all my friends from different places for all their support. I made friends over there and met all sorts of people. I met the coach who owned the two horses and she said ‘ Thomas I hope you win gold.’” And that he did.