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Brendan O’Connell, receiving a citation to mark his civic reception from Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Pat McCarthy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A TRALEE gold medal winner at the Special Olympics was awarded a civic reception at Kerry County Council buildings on Monday afternoon.
With family and the Kerry Stars Special Olympics team filling up the chamber, Brendan O’Connell, from Oakview was honoured for his gold medal and 4th place ribbon performances at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles during the Summer.
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Brendan landed gold in the 800m freestyle swimming event and was unlucky not to finish on the podium when he swam 1,500 metres in the open water event.
Speaking at the event, Brendan especially thanked his parents and his Kerry Stars teammates and mentors.
Mayor of Kerrry, Cllr Pat McCarthy, congratulated Brendan on his achievements; “It really, really is an unbelievable achievement” he said. “I know how difficult it is to win even a county championship, never mind how difficult it is to win a world title.”
A civic reception is the highest honour that a local authority can bestow on any individual or group of individuals in recognition of their achievements.
(click photo to enlarge) Brendan O’Connell, with family, friends, Special Olympics club teammates and councillors and at his civic repeption at Kerry Council Buildings on Monday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
