FOR YEARS it has been the field of dreams for rugby fans across the country, but last night it was 1,900 Special Olympic athletes who took centre stage at the hallowed Thomond Park rugby stadium.
More than 15,000 people gathered at the historic rugby venue for the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics National Games, which are taking place in Limerick over the next four days.
Last night’s opening ceremony saw the first performance by Limerick band The Cranberries in more than a decade. “Anything is possible if you have a dream,” lead singer Dolores O’Riordan told the athletes.
“Twenty years ago The Cranberries began in this town. We had a dream and we followed that dream,” she added, before performing Linger, the first song the band wrote together.
“This is beautiful. You guys are such an inspiration – you have so much strength, courage and hope,” she told the crowd.
It was a night of huge emotions for the 1,900 athletes, who will compete in 14 different sports in venues across Limerick and Clare over the coming days. There was a special moment for 14-year-old athlete Kim O’Kelly from Kildare when she was brought up on stage to sing when the band performed Ode to My Family.
In her address, Minister for Tourism and Sport Mary Hanafin thanked the athletes for putting a smile on people’s faces in “difficult times”. “You show us what it is to get up and achieve and keep going, and thank you for the spirit of the Special Olympics that you give to all of us.
“The whole of Ireland loves all of you special Olympians. Thank you for your hope, for your determination, for your commitment, for your spirit,” she continued.
The Special Olympic Games, worst an estimated €25 million to the Limerick economy, is one of the biggest sporting events in Ireland this summer.
More than 3,500 volunteers have signed up to support the games. Supporters include JP McManus, who donated €250,000 to the event.
Some 4,000 family members who are travelling on a fleet of 650 coaches have accompanied the athletes.
Among those who addressed last night’s opening ceremony was Denis O’Brien, chairman of the Special Olympics Ireland Council of Patrons, who paid tribute to all those who sponsored the event.
Also present at last night’s ceremony was Irish rugby star and former Lions captain Paul O’Connell, who headed the volunteer recruitment drive for the games. The Limerick-born rugby star has a long association with the games.
With almost 10,000 people expected to descend on Limerick this week, accommodation staff at the University of Limerick were yesterday busy getting ready for the athletes, who will stay at five student residences on the campus.