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Ms Foley with Sarah Missorici, double Special Olympics medal winner Gary O’Sullivan and Deputy Principal of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s, Louise McCarthy, at the school on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
DOUBLE Special Olympics medal winner, Gary O’Sullivan, received a rapturous welcome when he returned to his alma mater in Tralee on Friday morning.
Just a few weeks ago, the Castleisland man was in Abu Dhabi for the games where he claimed the gold in the shot put and silver in the Men’s 400 metres walk in Abu Dhabi.
Gary was happy to come back to the St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School in Caherslee which he graduated from in 2006, but said it was very different to when he attended.
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“It’s a bit weird coming back, because they have added new buildings, but I recognise some of the teachers here,” he said.
It’s been a hectic time since he came back from the Special Olympics and he said he has been recognised and asked for photos on the streets of Castleisland thanks to his endeavours.
Gary spoke to the current pupils and told them it doesn’t matter if you win or lose once you take part and try your best.
Another pupil, Sarah Missorici from Athea, won six medals at local and national level in Special Olympics gymnastics and also displayed her medals on the day.
“It’s absolutely brilliant to have Gary back and to have him speak to the pupils about what can be achieved. He’s an inspiration, said Deputy Principal of St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School, Louise McCarthy.
“We kept the pupils informed of Gary’s progress and we have a lot of pupils from the Castleisland area who knew what Gary was doing,” continued Ms McCarthy.
Gary O’Sullivan pays a visit to St Ita’s and St Joseph’s School on Friday. Photo by Dermot Crean
