Starbreakers shine at Ulster finals

THE Starbreakers Special Olympics Club made the trip to the Antrim Forum last weekend to face the cream of Ulster Athletics club at the 2025 Ulster Championship Finals.

The games were held over the Friday and Saturday and the Starbreakers had four members in the schedule to take part.

After the preliminary day on Friday, Francie, Gemma, Frank and Sean had placed themselves in difficult final match ups but were well and truly up to the task.

Saturday morning arrived and weather wasn't great but that didn't dampen spirits and the games got underway after the oath was read.

Gemma would be first up and finished a creditable fourth place in the softball event.

Frank Morris was also out in men's softball but unfortunately was adjudged to have over thrown which meant a ME (maximum effort) ribbon.

Sean Donaghy was the first Starbreaker to get amongst the medals with a brilliant bronze in men's javelin.

Onto the afternoon and Francie Meenagh grabbed silver in the 50m run. Gemma Fox added to her fourth place from morning time with a march to gold in the 50m walk, winning right on the line.

Francie was back out again in the shot putt and took the top prize in that discipline. To round off the games Frank and Sean were on the track in a very tough 50m final and finished down the field sixth and seventh.

Sean lucky not to pick up a nasty injury with a stumble while at full speed.

The Starbreakers showed some great effort and great determination to achieve these brilliant results.

Head coach, Paul Sweeney, said: "Our athletes gave their all and I am super proud of them.

"Thank you to all our Athletes families who came out to support them also. Thank you to Eileen Mullan for her help.

"This was a great team effort over the two days and I hope everyone enjoyed it."

The Starbreakers will enjoy a well earned rest now after a very successful campaign that also saw them finish as runners up in the Ulster Bocce 7s League.

"Great results on the biggest stage from our super Starbreakers Special Olympics team," Paul added.