In 2026, Clancy Construction was proud to support Jamie Cooney from Ballinabrackey, Co. Meath, as he prepared to represent Team Connaught Basketball at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games. Through our involvement in Jamie’s journey, we had the privilege of witnessing a remarkable example of determination, inclusion and sporting achievement.
Behind Jamie’s selection for Team Connaught lies a story of hard work, encouragement and perseverance, which Clancy Construction was proud to capture through a documentary following his journey to the Summer Games. The documentary offers a insight into the people, experiences and opportunities that have helped shape Jamie’s path, highlighting not only his passion for basketball but also the strong network of support that has been with him every step of the way.
Featuring contributions from Jamie’s parents, Catrina and Christy Cooney, physiotherapist Sean Coffey of Compass Physio, Nessa O’Reilly of Barndoor Creative Studios and members of the Shootnstars Basketball Club in Mullingar, the documentary paints a picture of a young man whose enthusiasm, commitment and positive outlook have inspired those around him. Together, they reflect on the journey that has taken Jamie from his local community in Ballinabrackey to competing on one of Ireland’s biggest sporting stages.
For Jamie, basketball has become much more than a game. It has provided an opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence, form lasting friendships and be part of a team environment that encourages growth, inclusion and achievement. As a proud member of Shootnstars Basketball Club, Jamie has embraced every opportunity to learn and improve, earning the respect of teammates and coaches through his commitment and determination.
His dedication to the sport eventually led to selection for Team Connaught Basketball, giving him the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026. Bringing together more than 1,200 athletes from across the island of Ireland, the Games celebrate sporting excellence, inclusion and the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to participate, compete and achieve their goals.
As the Games approached, excitement continued to build among Jamie, his family, teammates and supporters. Representing Team Connaught on the national stage was a proud achievement and the culmination of years of effort, training and commitment. Yet, as those closest to him will attest, Jamie’s journey has never been solely about medals or results. It has been about personal growth, embracing new challenges and enjoying every opportunity that sport has presented.
When competition got underway, Jamie and his Team Connaught teammates rose to the occasion. Throughout the tournament they demonstrated exceptional teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, progressing through a series of challenging matches to reach the final against a strong Munster side. In an exciting and closely contested game, Team Connaught narrowly missed out on gold, securing an outstanding silver medal and delivering a performance they could all be immensely proud of.
Their achievements did not end there. In recognition of the spirit in which they competed throughout the tournament, Team Connaught Basketball was awarded the Fair Play Team of the Tournament award. The award recognised not only their skill on the court but also the positivity, respect, encouragement and sportsmanship they displayed throughout the Games.
Jamie played his part throughout the weekend, bringing energy, enthusiasm and encouragement to every game. He represented his family, club, community and province with pride and embodied the values that make the Special Olympics games so special.
A special thank you goes to Jamie’s parents, Catrina and Christy, for their unwavering support throughout his journey. Their encouragement, along with the support of coaches, teammates, healthcare professionals and the wider community, has played an important role in helping Jamie achieve this milestone.
At Clancy Construction, our Corporate Social Responsibility programme is centred on supporting people, organisations and initiatives that help communities thrive. It has been a privilege to support Jamie and share his story, which serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when determination, opportunity and community come together.
We congratulate Jamie and all of Team Connaught Basketball on their outstanding achievements at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026. Their silver medal, Fair Play award and remarkable team spirit have created memories that will last a lifetime and have provided an inspiring example of the positive impact that sport can have on individuals, families and communities.