By Margaret Martin

The 2003 Special Olympics was the biggest sporting event in the world that year. I was the Galway volunteer chosen to facilitate the Scottish soccer team while they stayed in Galway before going to the Final in Croke Park.

I greeted them off their bus in Corrib Village and was immediately struck by their accents, friendly dispositions and large variety of abilities both physical and mental.
“My name is Margaret Martin,” I introduced myself.
“Ach nae, we canne cull ya Margre, we’ll cull ya … wee Muggie.”
I remained ‘wee Muggie’ for their stay!

My job description was to play hostess by showing them Galway, making sure all events were safe, exciting and celebratory.
I loved the challenge. They were ‘my team’ as I lead them into Eyre Square for the arrival of the Special Olympics torch. Bands playing, clowns juggling, tents bedecked in each nation’s flags drew us into a carnival atmosphere.

We made our way to a gigantic stage where a group of Irish dancers were entertaining the crowd. The rhythms and beat of the music inspired my group to show the crowd a Highland Fling to the air of The Boys of Bluehill! At different hotels we were treated as VIPs and each evening we were allocated to top tables, best seats at the entertainment, guests of honour everywhere we went, celebrities and locals vied for our company.
Galway hospitality was appreciated by all, but especially Aengus and Gordon.

They had never stayed outside of residential care and it was their first time to travel out of Scotland, going out socially was a huge challenge for them. The love and welcome they were shown gave a huge boost to their confidence and I could see them developing daily.

Afterwards we would return to Corrib village ‘fur a wee dram or two’ and exchange songs. The Scottish version of The Parting Glass was exchanged for Galway Bay.

Later in the week local GAA teams displayed their skills in Pearse Stadium. A special interest was taken in the hurley display.

There were two shinty players in the group and when I informed the organisers a special welcome was extended to them over the public address system.
This was greeted by a thunderous roar from our group!

Continue reading in this week’s Ireland’s Own