Loughlinstown Student Chosen As Representative For Sergent Shriver Global Messenger. (SSGM)

We are delighted to share some fantastic news from Margaret Turley.  Margaret is currently working towards Spreadsheet Methods L4 and Challenging Discrimination L3 qualifications, and Personal Decision Making with the DDLETB Adult Education Service based in Loughlinstown Training Centre.

Margaret has been chosen as Sargent Shriver Global Messenger. This prestigious role is awarded to Special Olympics athlete leaders. These spokespeople for the movement lead the campaign for a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. Through their participation and leadership at global, regional, and local events—both internal and external to the Special Olympics Movement—they challenge the mindsets of political leaders, policy makers, educators, employers, and society.

Read on to find out more about Margaret.

Hi my name is Margaret Turley. I am from Kilkenny but live in Dublin. I went to Trinity where I did the Certificate in Contemporary Living course and got student of the year. After that, I got a permanent part-time job at EY (Ernst Young). I play basketball for Sports Club 15 and have recently taken up skiing in Kiltiernan.

One of the highlights of 2023 for me was when I represented my country playing basketball at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. We won gold beating Azerbaijan in the final. The atmosphere was amazing. I also got capped for Ireland in Basketball

I am very passionate about speaking up for peoples’ rights, especially for those with disabilities. I was invited by Special Olympics to speak in the Oireachtas on the International Day for People with Disabilities in 2020. I also participated in the advertisement for the DSS (Decision Support Service) which is on TV and radio. I have been part of the research, both as a participant and as a researcher with Inclusion Ireland, TU Dublin, Trinity and Special Olympics USA.

My most recent achievement for this year is to have been chosen as a representative for Ireland, Europe, and Eurasia as a Sergent Shriver Global Messenger. (SSGM). Sergent Shriver was married to Eunice Kennedy who founded the Special Olympics and their son Tim and daughter Maria continue their legacy. It has been 20 years since there was an Irish ambassador. It lasts for 4 years and includes trips to Washington and to the Special Olympic Winter and Summer World Games. There may be other trips abroad where I am invited to speak or be on a panel.

Congratulations to Margaret on this wonderful achievement!