Speaking on behalf of County Longford Special Olympics, Fundraising Co-ordinator, Marian Kiernan said: "The Special Olympics headquarters in Dublin were over the moon with the Longford fundraising initiative. It is over and above what we raised before in this county."

The funds raised are used to support the athletes that go on to represent Ireland in the Special Olympics and their carers. It is also used to help develop local clubs and encourage new members to join.

The Longford fundraising initiative started the first week in February and finished in June. The most successful event was the popular Jigs & Reels which raised €11,500. The next largest event was the EDI Centre's climb of Croagh Patrick. This brought in €3,000. Another popular fund raiser was Margaret Heuson's (Cahanagh) entry into the Granny of the Year. This brought in €1,800 in sponsorship.

"The Longford Special Olympics fundraising committee would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped out in any way towards our fund-raising campaign in County Longford- street collectors, bag packers, door persons, advertisers, local media, donators and event organisers. Your input made this campaign a huge success. Thank you," says Marian.

The following is a list of those that the County Longford Special Olympics committee would like to thank for their assistance during the fundraising drive: Whizzkids; All who were associated with Jigs & Reels; Anna B Corrigan; Staff, management and patrons of PVs; EDI Centre; Tony Moran; Liz Kenny; Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club; Scoil Mhuire; Tir na nOg; Melissa Whelan; Ardscoil Phadraig; Vera Brady, Killoe; Yew Tree Players; Margaret Hueston; Temperance Hall; Kiernan School of Dancing; Stonepark N.S; Longford Gaelscoil; Bea Hughes; Belton Engineering; Cullyfad Community Centre; Cyril Naughton; Clondra N.S.; John Duffy; B3 Cable; Maureen Carberry/pre work group; EDI Centre Croagh Patrick Climb; Trinity Tots; Christy Warnock; Dolmen Failte Club; Indulgence Hair Studio; Micheal Brady/Dean Connolly; BM Motor Factors; Ballinamuck NS; Carrickedmond/Legan community Group; Newtownforbes Senior Citizens Club; St Teresas N.S; Ryan McHugh; Eoin O Boyle; Joe Durkin; Billy the Barber; Bernie Crossan; The Attic Youth Club; Club 91; Grace Kennedy; Hillsiders Club; Ballyleague/Lanesboro Active age; Brookland Health Centre; Longford Textiles re-union Group; Edgeworthstown Residents; Fr. Manning Geals; Longford ICA; Abbeylara GAA; Brendan Gilmore; Ballymore GAA; Harrold Mc Gahern; Cashel GAA; Convent Of Mercy Ballymahon; Colmcille GAA; Molihan Transport; Emmet Og; The Computer Warehouse; Kenagh GAA; Cumann na mBunscoil; Mostrim GAA; Seamus Butler; Rathcline GAA; St. Marys GAA; St Mel's TC Ironing Service; Women Together Group, Edgeworthstown; Aughnagarron NS; Jennifer Doyle; Shroid Slashers GAA; Moyne Latin School Community Centre; Abbot Diagnostic; St Patrick's GAA. "Thanks so very much for all your help and support," Marian concluded.