Kilrush's Special Olympian ... Paul Moody

Georgia Republic V. Republic of Ireland Soccer

Paul Moody (33), a native of Kilrush, son of Oliver and Rita Moody, Vandeleur Street, Kilrush, Co. Clare. Paul has three brothers, Tony, Oliver and John.

Paul works in the Garden Centre at the Brothers of Charity Training Centre in Ennis and other work there includes the making of Altar Breads for all the Roman Catholic Churches in County Clare.

Since childhood, Paul has had a keen interest in sports and his sports include soccer and basketball. Paul was a member of the Brothers of Charity football team that won Gold in the National Games in Dublin in June 2002.

In these 2003 Special Olympic World Summer Games, Paul is one of four Claremen to represent Ireland in 5-a-Side Soccer... UP THE BANNER!

Kilrush wishes Paul and his teammates all the best in their endeavours to bring home the Gold.

Georgia Republic V. Republic of Ireland Soccer

The following article by Maria Hartman and Charles Glynn was published in the Official FAI Programme:

Kilrush Host Town welcomes Team Georgia for 2003 Special Olympics World Games

“Ketili Ikos Tqveni Mobrdzaneba”

(Photo "Eye on the Prize" of John Moody courtesy of The Clare Champion)

Kilrush Maritime and Heritage Host Town will have a very unique opportunity to show the generosity of spirit for which we are renowned, and open our hearts and homes to the athletes from the Georgia Republic.

Team Georgia is a team of 36 including coaches and athletes competing in tennis, athletics, table tennis and football.

E.S.B. International is a main sponsor and E.S.B. Moneypoint has offered their local sporting facilities for Team Georgia's morning training sessions. There is much delight that Kilrush's local Paul Moody has been included as a member of the Irish soccer squad.

Kilrush Town Council will host a Civic Reception on the first evening for the Georgia Republic Delegation. There will be afternoon trips which will include visits to the Vandeleur Walled Garden for a picnic with traditional Irish music seisiún, a trip to Bunratty Theme Park, a trip to Moneypoint Generating Station, a trip down memory lane on the West Clare Railway at Moyasta Junction, and a visit to the Brothers of Charity Workshop.

During their three-day rest and training sessions, we hope Team Georgia will enjoy a taste of our country and culture and that we too will experience their culture.

Kilrush is the capital of West Clare, which is an area of unspoilt beauty wedged between the Shannon Estuary and the thundering Atlantic. West Clare is `one of Ireland's best kept secrets' and an ideal holiday destination.

Kilrush and West Clare offer a wide choice of accommodation, activities, restaurants, lively pubs, and traditional Irish music sessions. It is an ideal centre for shopping, golf, sailing, fishing, cycling, swimming, discovering dolphins, visiting historic Scattery Island or Vandeleur Walled Gardens. Kilrush Creek Marina welcomes yachts from all over the world and on-shore, deep-sea and fresh water fishing is available. There are golden sandy beaches and pleasant woodland and coastal walks.

Team Georgia will depart from Kilrush to Dublin on Friday June 20. The Special Olympics World Games commence on Saturday June 21 with the Opening Ceremony at Croke Park and will continue until June 29, 2003.

Kilrush Host Town welcomes the Georgia Republic Soccer Team and wish Brian Kerr and the Irish Soccer Team every success on June 11.

Log on to www.westclare.com for updated information regarding Kilrush and Team Georgia's visit to West Clare.

Photographs

Paul Moody attended the Georgia Republic Versus Republic of Ireland International Soccer Match at Lansdowne Road on 11 June.

(Photographs by Maria Hartman)