BOOKS OF condolences were opened in Dublin and Cork yesterday for Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics, who died on Tuesday in Massachusetts.
The books will remain open until 6pm today. Members of the public can pay their respects in Cork City Council’s offices in City Hall, Cork and the Mansion House, Dublin.
The Special Olympics began as a small event in Ms Kennedy Shriver’s garden in 1968. It quickly blossomed into a global movement. In 2003 Ireland hosted the Special Olympic World Games and 6,500 athletes from 170 countries.
Ms Kennedy Shriver, President Kennedy’s sister, led the organisation until 2006. She attended the games in Ireland and visited friends here many times.
On his arrival to sign the book in Dublin yesterday, US ambassador Dan Rooney said Ms Kennedy Shriver “was a fine, fine lady”. “What she did here with the Special Olympics was really heart-warming. It was inspiring”.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emer Costello was “very saddened” to hear of Ms Kennedy Shriver’s passing. “She was a remarkable woman. Her campaigning spirit, zeal and organisational abilities will not be forgotten, she has left behind a vibrant and brilliant organisation”.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Laura McGonigle said Ms Kennedy Shriver “epitomised all that was positive and good about those who wished to transform the image of those with intellectual disabilities”.
Several Special Olympics athletes signed the books. Terry Gavan, a Special Olympics athlete from Rialto in Dublin, said sport had become a big part of his life and was signing the book to say thank you.
Ms Kennedy Shriver was laid to rest in Cape Cod, Massachusetts yesterday. The Government was represented by Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin.