Homecomings: Celebrations are continuing this week around the country, as athletes from Team Ireland are welcomed back to their home towns.
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Mr Colum Burke arrived at Cork train station, yesterday to meet and greet athletes and congratulate them on their achievements. Families and friends of the athletes also attended, and a formal civic reception is expected to be organised once the athletes have had a chance to rest.
Team Ireland athletes from Limerick "have to get back to normal," to play an All-Ireland soccer league match in the next three weeks.
The Limerick athletes celebrated yesterday with a disco in a residential centre.
A spokesman for the Brothers of Charity residential centre said: "The lads were knackered but were amazed there were so many people there to meet them. There is another "get-together" being organised for the athletes in Limerick next week to honour their achievements.
There were also celebrations for the athletes from Baltinglass, Co Wicklow.
Ms Claire Hayes, an athlete on the bowling team and Ms Ashlene Coleman an athlete on the equestrian team were treated to a drive in a convertible Saab and a disco.
"The whole town was out," according to Ms Mary Keogh, Manager of the Lalor Centre, where the athletes attend. Locals in Irishtown, on the southside of Dublin, were preparing a welcome home party for Special Olympics athlete, Ms Monica Byrne, yesterday evening.
Buntings lined the street and "share the feeling" memorabilia was visible in the area.
Brookfield Community Centre, Brookfield, in south Co Dublin, have organised a celebration for their local athlete, Ms Sharon Geraghty to celebrate her achievements and raise awareness about the positive community activities in the Brookfield area. Other celebrations will continue over the next couple of weeks to pay tribute to the many achievements of the Team Ireland athletes.