Popular Tipperary man celebrated as he represents Ireland at Special Olympics Winter Games

A Tipperary man has been given a good send-off as he heads to Italy to take part in the Special Olympics.

Frank O'Dwyer is part of the Special Olympics floorball team, who are headed to Turin, Italy, to represent Ireland at the 2025 Winter Games.

30-year-old Frank has been involved in the Tipperary Special Olympics Club for over 12 years, winning 10 medals in that time  representing both Team Munster and Team Ireland.

Frank has won medals in multiple sports, including basketball, swimming, athletics, football, and floorball.

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Outside of Special Olympics, his sporting interests include Manchester United, Limerick hurling and Munster rugby, and while he's not watching or playing sports, he enjoys going to the cinema and socialising with friends.

Ahead of the games, Frank told fellow athletes that mutual support and respect is key.

"Be a good team leader, support each other and respect your coaches and volunteers because without them we wouldn’t be here," he said.

Frank was given a special send-off by his friends and family at Tipperary Town's Knockanrawley Resource Centre on Wednesday morning, with a large group gathered to wish him well.

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In a post on social media, Knockanrawley Resource Centre (KRC) wished Frank the best of luck at the Special Olympics.

"We wish him and all his team all the luck in the world on his journey and we are all very proud of you here at KRC," the post read.