Special Olympics hero Meenan to be paraded at half-time of tonight’s Dundalk game

Meenan winning gold in the 100m sprint in Los Angeles

Dundalk athlete James Meenan will be paraded at Oriel Park tonight during Dundalk FC’s clash with Longford Town.

The 20-year-old from Greenacres returned from the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles on Tuesday with three medals – a gold, silver and bronze.

To honour his achievements he will be presented to the crowd at half-time of tonight’s game.

Meenan’s first medal was a bronze, which he picked up in the 200m sprint. He then won gold in the 100m sprint before helping Team Ireland to second place in the 4x100m relay event.

Meenan claims third medal at Special Olympics

Meenan winning gold earlier in the week

Dundalk athlete James Meenan will return home to Ireland tomorrow with three medals in his bag.

The 20-year-old from Greenacres won a third medal – this time a silver – at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles yesterday.

He was part of the 4x100m relay team that came in second place in a time of 1.07:55.

That adds to the gold medal he picked up for the 100m sprint and the bronze he claimed in the 200m sprint.

A superb effort from James and well done to him.

Dundalk’s James Meenan clinches gold at Special Olympics

James Meenan crossing the line a winner at the 100m event in Los Angeles yesterday

A gold medal will be coming back to Dundalk after local athlete James Meenan won the 100 metre event at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles yesterday.

The 20-year-old from Greenacres came home in a time of 12.49 seconds to cross the line ahead of everyone else.

Amongst those cheering him on at the Loker Stadium in LA was Irish boxing legend Wayne McCullough, who said: “It was amazing to watch James win his Gold medal for Team Ireland in the 100M; when he took off, no one was going to catch him – I’ve christened him the Junior Pocket Rocket. When I heard that the Special Olympics were on in LA, I just had to come and support the guys.

“It’s been great to meet James and some of the other athletics medallists, as well as the Team Ireland aquatics team and footballers today. Team Ireland has a huge amount of medals at the minute and I know they’re going to get more; win or lose, you’ve just got to fight until the end and I know they will do that.”

Team Ireland has taken 70 medals back from the States, with Meenan’s gold adding to the bronze he picked up earlier in the week when he came home third in the 200m event in a time of 26.13 seconds.

James left for Los Angeles with everyone from Dundalk wishing him well, he will return this weekend as a hero and a champion.

Well done James!

Meenan, his gold medal and Wayne McCullough

Bronze for James at Special Olympics

James Meenan crossing the line to secure his bronze medal

Dundalk’s James Meenan secured a bronze medal after coming home third in the 200m event at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles yesterday.

The 20-year-old from Greenacres ran the race at Loker Stadium in a time of 26.13 seconds, which was actually slower than his trial time of 25.77.

James on the podium

James still has another chance of silverware with the 100m event still to be run.

So far Team Ireland have secured 8 gold, 4 silver, 10 bronze, 14 ribbons and 19 personal bests.

The games will conclude at the weekend.

James with his medal

Personal best for Dundalk athlete James Meenan at Special Olympics World Games

James Meenan

Dundalk’s James Meenan recorded a personal best in the 100 metre heats at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles yesterday.

The 20-year-old from Greenacres ran a time of 12.86 seconds in the 100m run and 25.77 seconds in the 200m run.

Tomorrow he will compete in the 4x100m relay with competition ongoing until August 2^nd.

Dundalk’s Meenan amongst Irish athletes ready to take on the world in Los Angeles

James Meenan

Dundalk’s James Meenan was amongst the 88 Irish athletes who flew out to Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Summer Games yesterday.

The 20-year-old from Greenacres, who is a national sprint champion over 100m and 200m, is a member of St Peter’s Athletic Club in Dromiskin.

He will be hoping to become the best in the world when competition begins for him at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Wayne Mooney from St Nicholas Avenue will be amongst the volunteers attending.

St Peter’s AC to host 50 shades of spring fashion show in aid of athlete James Meenan

St Peter’s Athletic Club in Dromiskin are hosting a 50 shades of spring fashion show in the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Thursday March 5^th to raise funds for young athlete James Meenan, who will carry the Irish flag in the Special Olympics in Los Angeles this summer.

The event will also seek to raise funds for the club’s new track.

On the night there will be exhibitors from Ruby Nu in Park Street and Elmay and Bella Me Dress House in Clanbrassil Street.

Tickets, priced €10, are available from any of the competing shops or from The Gift and Art Gallery. Alternatively you can pay at the door on the night.