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88 Irish athletes jet off to LA for Special Olympics World Summer Games

Ireland will compete in 13 disciplines in the Games starting this weekend.

COME ON IRELAND!

FIST PUMP Sportsfile Video Sportsfile Video

The Special Olympics World Summer Games begin in LA this weekend and Team Ireland will be there in force.

88 athletes in 13 disciplines plus  management and coaching team of 40 will wing their way to the US west coast today before the 25 July opening.

Special Olympics Team Ireland Departure to World Summer Games Los Angeles Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

The excitement was palpable as Team Ireland checked in at Terminal 2 today.

Team Ireland athletes and coaches pose for a selfie Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Footballers Sean MacDonald and Leon Keogh took the opportunity to pose with Aer Lingus cabin crew

Lisa Jane Dorman, Sean McDonald, Lyon Keogh and Claire Teehan Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

And they weren’t the only ones…

Sean Campbell from Coleraine.

Lisa Jane Dorman, Sean Campbell and Claire Teehan

Swimmer Sean Coleman from Cork.

Lisa Jane Dorman, Sean Coleman and Claire Teehan Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Equestrian athlete Dearbhail Savage.

Lisa Jane Dorman, Dearbhla Savage and Claire Teehan Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Bags checked, boarding cards ready? 

Sure if the captain’s not on the plane yet, there’s still time for more photos

Captain Padraic Maye, Bocce athlete Ann Hoey, Kayaker Ian Staunton and Aer Lingus CEO Stephen Kavanagh.

Captain Padraic Maye, Ann Hoey, Ian Stauntonand Stephen Kavanagh Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Gymnast Billy Kane.

Billy Kane from Dublin Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Special Olympics Team Ireland Departure to World Summer Games Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Watch some more of the excitement here


Sportsfile / Vimeo

Originally published 13.35

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