Eight talented Donegal riders from the Stars in the Saddle Special Olympics Sports Club have returned from the Ulster Regional Special Olympics Equestrian Championships with an incredible sixteen medals.
This marks an outstanding debut for the newly formed club.
The event, which took place last week at Kylebrook Equestrian Centre in Co. Laois saw the Donegal athletes compete in equitation, working trials, and jumping. Each of the athletes – Kiara Mc Gee, Odhran McDaid, Lily Pyper, Joshua Russell, Ultan Deeney, Kayla Parke, Ellen McLoughlin and Aisling Ferry, placed in their respective events, returning home to Donegal with big smiles and a haul of medals.
The Donegal Support Crew.
“This was the first competitive outing for our club, which only started last year,” said coach Lisa Moore.
“To see the transformation in these athletes — their skill, confidence, independence, and self-belief — over the past few months has been extraordinary. They gave it everything during the event, and I couldn’t be more proud of them and their achievements.”
Odhran McDaid’s support team.
The athletes were highly commended for their sportsmanship and horsemanship throughout the competition, earning praise not only from judges but from fellow competitors, volunteers and spectators alike.
Concentrated faces on the Walking the Working Trails Course.
The club extends sincere thanks to the Ulster Region Special Olympics Committee for organising the event. Additionally, the club would like to thank its dedicated volunteers – Shannon, Aoife and Emer, as well as to the many parents, and support crew who made the long journey to Laois and supported the riders every step of the way. The team also proudly wore brand-new club tops, thanks to the generous support of Councillor Donal Mandy Kelly.
This memorable outing marks a huge milestone for Stars in the Saddle and the broader Donegal Special Olympics community. With their first competition now behind them — and a haul of medals to show for it — these remarkable athletes have truly set the standard for what’s to come.
Kiara McGee who won two Gold Medals.
Odhran McDaid.
Ultan Deeney.
