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Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club.

Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club – Annual General Meeting.

Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary) Reports:-

The 2025 Annual General Meeting of Thurles Special Olympics Basketball Club took place on Tuesday 24th March last at the Order of Malta premises, Bohervaroon, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
A good attendance representing athletes, volunteers and family members were present to get an update on Club affairs over the past year.

With a full agenda, reports were given by Club Chairperson Mr Enda Bourke (Secretary), Ms Mary Ryan Maher (Treasurer), Ms Carmel Sammon (Club Safeguarding Officer), Ms Marian O’Reagan and Mr Dennis Jordan (Medical Officer).

The reports confirmed a satisfactory year for the Club and the Chairperson complimented the athletes for their commitment and dedication to weekly basketball and training sessions at the Presentation Convent Sports Hall.

Pictured following a presentation made to silver medals winner Ms Maureen O’Shea, are L-R: Mr Enda Bourke, Ms Catherine Dwan, Ms Maureen O’Shea, Ms Mary Ryan Maher and Ms Carmel Sammon.

The Club acknowledged the support of family members and carers, Presentation Sports Hall Manager, Mr Martin Hehir, Meitheal 21 staff, Tipperary Co Council, Mr Jim Ryan MC, Mr Paul Scully (Thurles Photo Station), Mr Darren Hassett (Tipp Star) and Mr George Willoughby (Thurles Information).

Officers for the various roles were selected for 2026 and the Chairperson wished the athletes and members success for the year ahead.

At the conclusion of the AGM a special presentation was made by the Chairperson to athlete, Ms Maureen O’Shea, (See image above), to acknowledge the 30th anniversary of her fantastic performance at the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in the U.S. when she won 2 silver medals representing Ireland.
Ms O’Shea is a member of the Thurles Club since its inception in 2004 and is the athlete representative at all Club meetings. There was huge applause for what Ms O’Shea achieved in 1995, and she proudly showed off the medals to all in attendance.

The meeting concluded with refreshments at the impressive Order of Malta premises and our thanks to them for facilitating our visit.