Young Limerick swimmer preparing for the Special Olympics Ireland Games

A young Limerick athlete is making waves both in and out of the pool as he prepares to represent Team Munster at the upcoming Special Olympics Ireland Games 2026 – while also raising thousands of euros for a worthy cause along the way. 

Ian Gilvarry’s journey in swimming began at just four years of age when he first took to the water at his local leisure centre alongside his siblings. From the very beginning, Ian – aged 24yrs and from the Ennis Road - showed a natural love for swimming, something that would only grow stronger in the years ahead. 

Ian is looking ahead to one of the biggest moments of his sporting journey. As one of 21 athletes from Limerick City Special Olympics Club selected to represent Team Munster in the Special Olympics Ireland Games, he will compete in the 400m and 800s freestyle events at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown from June 18-21. 

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Following his diagnosis of autism, Ian and his family connected with Enable Ireland, where he took part in one-to-one swimming lessons at the University of Limerick. Supported by dedicated volunteer coaches, these early sessions played a vital role in building Ian’s confidence and his ability in the water, laying the foundation for everything that followed. 

At the age of eight, Ian joined Limerick City Special Olympics Club, where he trained weekly in Bawnmore Swimming Pool under the guidance of committed volunteer coaches. It was here that his competitive spirit began to shine as he took part in swimming galas, won medals and- most importantly - developed a deep love for the sport. 

In 2022, Ian’s coaches encouraged him to take the next step and join a mainstream swimming club. Soon after, he became a member of Limerick Masters Swimming Club – a move that has seen Ian go from strength to strength. Training twice a week, Ian has competed in numerous events, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals, with a particular passion for long-distance freestyle swimming. The 1500m event is among his favourites, and he also takes part annually in the Swim Ireland “Swim for a Mile” challenge.

Ian’s training with his Special Olympics club reflects a level of commitment that is matched by the unwavering support of his parents, Paul and Ciara Gilvarry, who drive Ian to all his training sessions, as well as the encouragement of his brother Evan and sister Rebecca.

Away from competition, Ian is also giving back in a truly meaningful way. Since 2022, he has been collecting unwanted coins from his community, carefully counting, bagging and converting them before donating the proceeds each Christmas to Limerick City Special Olympics. To date, Ian has raised an incredible €8,600 for the club – an effort that highlights his generosity and community spirit as well as his determination. 

Ian is also a familiar face in Limerick city through his part-time role as waiter at Sodalicious café on Lower Cecil Street, where he is highly valued by his employer Jane and front-of-house Danny. Alongside this, he attends National Learning Network in Raheen two days a week, where he continues to develop important life and work skills with the support of dedicated tutors.

A self-confessed sports fan, Ian rarely misses an episode of Ireland Fittest Family and is a devoted supporter of coach Davy Fitzgerald, whose energetic style he admires. 

“Ian loves Ireland’s Fittest Family. He can remember every detail from each series – the families, where they were from and who coached them. Ian is also Davy Fitzgerald ‘s No. 1 fan. He received a couple of video messages from Davy through friends in the past, but he would just love to meet Davy in person someday,” said Ian’s mother, Ciara.