Fourth annual soccer match between Roscommon Gardaí and the Roscommon Special Olympics Club

It was a fantastic night of sport and friendship on Friday at the fourth annual soccer match between Roscommon Gardaí and the Roscommon Special Olympics Club.

The game, which was held at the Roscommon Community Sports Park, saw the Roscommon Special Olympics Club once again come out on top following a penalty shootout.

The club was delighted with the win, and is preparing for a ‘Drive for Five’. It thanked everyone who made the match possible, including parents, volunteers, the Gardaí, and Roscommon Sports Partnership.

“What do you say after a night like last night?” it wrote on social media. “The words ‘Thank You’ don’t go anywhere near enough to thank everyone who played their part in a memorable night of entertainment and of course football prowess. In the end, it does not really matter who won (well...sort of!!). What truly matters is the feel good factor of the players and audience, and that was certainly in abundance.” 

The club thanked family members, Christy, John and Paul Allen, of the late and much loved Máire Allen for presenting the Máire Allen Memorial Trophy on the night.

“We were delighted that you were all able to join us. We are all part of Máire’s Dream Team, and she will always be uppermost in our thoughts at any activity we do,” the club said.

Máire passed away in September 2023. As well as a much loved wife, mother and friend, she was a volunteer with many local organisations, including Roscommon Special Olympics.

The Gardaí praised their opponents as “deserving winners”.

“The hard work that was put in by this amazing group was evident for everyone to see and we can learn from them.”