Family affair for twin athletes on day two of Special Olympics

It was a real family affair today for twin brothers Daniel and Frankie McCrory, who are among the 1,500 athletes enjoying the Special Olympics fever in Limerick this weekend.

Thousands of people have already come out to watch the national games in venues across Limerick and Clare.

The 14-year-old identical twin brothers from Tyrone were among hundreds of athletes competing in the athletics competitions being held today on the running track in UL.

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Munster athletes Anna Kehoe, Jimmy Murphy and Marie Ryan. Photograph: Alan Place/Fusionshooters

Frankie McCrory, who is competing in the long jump and running events, was on the side lines supporting his brother but insists he is the better of the two.

“I practice very hard with Eagles Special Olympics in Co Tyrone and I’m the best,” said the 14-year-old representing Team Ulster.

“My favourite part is running and jumping and making new friends,” he added.

His twin brother Daniel was competing today in the soft ball throw.

Their parents Lawrence and Nicola and older twin sisters Marie and Sharon were among the families cheering on the athletes.

“They have been two years training for this. It is their first games and we are just so proud of them,” explained the twins’ mother Nicola.

Also on the running track today was Labour Senator Mary Moran, who was with her 16-year-old son Cillian who is also competing in the soft ball throw competition.

Cillian has also been enjoying some special treatments afforded to athletes.

“I loved getting a massage on my back and especially on my sore knee which is better now,” Cillian said.

“We had great fun in our house last night watching the Spain match even though I was more concerned about Dundalk FC,” he added.

According to his mother, Special Olympics was the only thing that would keep her youngest child from missing a Dundalk FC game.

“That’s all he lives for is Dundalk FC,” she quipped.

Earlier this week the Labour Senator got over 1,000 people - including Minister for Communications Pat Rabitte - to sign a petition, which she presented to RTE complaining about the lack of live TV coverage of the Special Olympics.

"This is one of the largest sporting events held in Ireland this year and I felt it deserved to be televised. The whole country should share in this whole experience and I think you need live coverage for this. I got a phenomenal response to the petition.

Among the high profile sporting figures attending today's games in UL was Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte and former Irish rugby international John Hayes.

Fourteen-year-old athlete Jennifer Malone from Team Leinster, who was recently named the number one GAA supporter in Ireland, was among those delighted to meet the Tyrone GAA legend.

According to Harte, Special Olympics is a “fantastic example of how when good poeple come together they can make things happen”.

“It’s such a benefit for the families and so good for the athletes to be recognised for the skill sets that they have,” he added.

The 2014 games, which run until tomorrow, are supported by 3,000 volunteers and 600 coaches.