Westport’s Special Olympics hero

Deirdre returns as an Irish hero


Feature
Colin McDonagh

DEIRDRE Gannon’s exploits at the recent Special Olympics World Summer Games have been hailed as “a truly outstanding achievement” by Bridget Joyce, her named member of staff at Carrowbeg Enterprises in Westport.
Lecanvey native Deirdre – described by Bridget Joyce as “a bubbly, outgoing and dedicated” person – picked up two silver medals in Athens. Large numbers of supporters turned up at Westport railway station to welcome her home.
Deirdre started bowling at Carrowbeg Enterprises and from very early on she began to develop a fondness for the sport. Bridget praised Deirdre’s family and her father Jim who brought her to training in Castlebar and to Dublin for national training every month.
Jarlath Cunningham, a member of staff at Carrowbeg Enterprises, praised Dermott Langan at Westport Leisure Park for his help. He also paid tribute, Johnny Groden of Murrisk, Development Officer with Western Care, who has played a big part in Deirdre’s success. Deirdre practised in Carrowbeg using a Nintendo Wii, and even had a sparring match with boxer Ray Moylette two years ago!
Deirdre spoke about her family, her brother Séamus (who described her achievement as “fantastic”), her sisters and her close friend Tanya, who was waiting for Deirdre at the train station. She also mentioned the new friends she made while she was abroad, including Teresa Ward, Sport, Leisure and Recreation Co-ordinator with Western Care. Deirdre also met Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Michael Ring, whom Deirdre described as “a fantastic person”.
On the plane to Athens she felt unwell – “mainly from nerves and excitement” – and she joked that the food in Greece was “terrible”, nothing in comparison to her favourite dishes back home – “pasta and plenty of meat”!
“Deirdre is independent, competitive and loving,” said Bridget Joyce. “With the seven days in a week, Deirdre would be the type of person who would need an eighth. She’s a very sporty person, a very adventurous lady, and a brilliant person who brings people together with her smile.”
Bowling is not the only sport Deirdre adores. She is also goalkeeper on the Westport United team at the centre which is managed by Joe Fahy. Bridget and Jarlath also paid tribute to Michael Rabbette, who taught Deirdre to swim; Ray McNamara at Mayo Sports Partnership; Michelle Gannon and Agnes Corcoran, a close friend and mentor of Deirdre’s.
When Deirdre returned to Westport, Bridget brought her up town along with other service users and she said that “everybody wanted to shake Deirdre’s hand”. Members of the Gardaí and staff members from Lynn’s Curiosity Shop all wanted to extend their best wishes to Deirdre, while the people at the Country Markets all hugged her and congratulated her on her silver medal successes. Deirdre said that she would have “loved” Fr MicheΡl Mannion – now parish priest of Kilronan on the Aran Islands – to have been there to celebrate with her.
Asked about her future plans, Deirdre said she would “love to go again” and she hopes that she can go to the games in South Korea in 2013. When told she should rest after her heroics, Deirdre just smiled and said: “I’m not resting!”