Patrons council established

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, yesterday announced the establishment of a Council of Patrons under his chairmanship to support the Special Olympics. Ireland host the Games in the summer of 2003.

The list of patrons draws from a wide variety of people across a diversity of interests from politics, the Churches, business, community leaders and entertainment.

"The Special Olympics will come of age in Ireland," said the Taoiseach. "For the first time in the illustrious history of this event it will be held outside the United States and it is an honour for Ireland that we have been chosen for that breakthrough.

"And I am delighted and honoured that so many people in leadership positions across many walks of life on this island, north and south, have agreed to come together to provide moral, political and community support on the Games."

Some 7,000 athletes and coaches from more than 150 countries are set to take part in the Games, which encompasses 19 sports over the 10 days of competition. "Share the Feeling" has been designated the special theme of the Games.

Coucil of Patrons - Chairman: Taoiseach Bertie Ahern; Bill Attley (former general secretary, SIPTU), Roy Bailie (chairman NI Tourist Board); David Bunworth (marketing director, Esat Telecom); Loretta BrennanGlucksman (American-Ireland Fund); John Bruton TD (leader of Fine Gael); Pat Byrne (Garda Commissioner); Bob Collins (director general, RTE); Dr Desmond Connell (Archbishop of Dublin), Andrea Corr (entertainer): Dr Art Cosgrave (president, UCD); Dermot Desmond (chairman, International Investment & Underwriting Ltd); Moya Doherty (Abhann Productions); Sean Donlon (career civil servant); Dr Robin Eames (Archbishop of Armagh); Dr Walton Empey (Archbishop of Dublin); Monsignor Dermot Farrell (president, St Patrick's College, Maynooth); Fergus Finlay (board of directors, Special Olympics Ireland); Sir Ronnie Flanagan (Chief Constable, RUC); Alderman Mary Freehill (Lord Mayor of Dublin); Mary Harney TD (Tanaiste, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment); Senator Edward Haughey (chairman, Northbrook Laboratories); Dr Maurice Hayes (Senator); Liam Healy (CEO Independent News & Media); Ted Hesketh (managing director, Translink); Ronan Keating (Boyzone); Angela Kerins (chairman, National Disability Authority); Brian Kerr (Irish youths soccer manager); Dr Tom Mitchell (Provost, TCD); Felix Mooney (chief executive, Mooney Hotel Group); Dr Tom Morrow (Moderator, Presbyterian Church); Mark Mortell (commercial director, Aer Lingus); Sean Mulryan (managing director, Ballymore Properties); Dr James McDaid (Minister for Tourism, Sport & Recreation); Ray McSharry (chairman, Eircom PLC), John McGuckian (chairman, Ulster Television Plc); Michael McDonnell (group chief executive, CIE); Rabbi Julia Neuberger (chancellor, University of Ulster); Pat O'Neill (chairman, Irish Sports Council); Prof Albert Pratt (director general, DCU); Ruari Quinn (Labour Party leader); Sean Quinn (managing director, Quinn Group); Lieut-Gen David Stapleton (Defence Forces Chief of Staff); Prof Eric Saunders (chairman Northern Ireland Sports Council); Dr Michael Smurfit (CEO Smurfit Group Plc); Peter Sutherland (chairman BP); David Trimble MP (MLA); Dorothy Tubridy; Cllr Damien Wallace (Lord Mayor of Cork).