In 2010, to mark the 30th Anniversary of the May Games – now MayFest – Joe Geraghty chatted with some participants for Games of yesteryear. Joe wrote…

It seems everyone has a favourite May Games memory. As a variety of supporters contacted us in recent weeks we asked them for a favourite. Here are some of the printable memories! 

 PAT KELLY – European and Paralympic 400M bronze medallist, former Sports & Social Club administrator. 2026 update: Pat is an active tandem cyclist.

 I remember Charlie Haughey attending the May Games in ’86, with Miss Ireland, Anne Marie Gannon in toe (although with my blindness, I didn’t know he had company. “Pat, meet Charlie Haughey?” beamed Terry Saunders, Games PRO.  “How are ya Charlie” I said, “I believe you’re with a fine bird today”! Saunders pinched me and quickly moved me on as he wasn’t sure what I would say or do next!

CAROL CARR: 400m gold medallist, 1984 Paralympic Games and winner of 4 European gold medals). 2026 update: Carol was a recent contributor to the Out of Sight with Joe G podcast.

Those first May Games catapulted me into the sport of athletics. Yes, I had run before in local races in Trya Lough on the Fannad Peninsula. But, here I was at 16 with no spikes, running on a tartan track for the first time. As the sun beamed down I remember the 400M felt so long but, so exciting to complete, and win.  It was the day which opened my life to a new sport, new confidence and most of all new and lasting friendships.

The late JIMMY MURRAY – first IBS Chairman, founder Irish Blind Golf Society.

The May Games 30th anniversary brings to mind the great work done by those who founded the Games, and those involved in its organisation over the years.  I got involved in the Games in the mid ‘80s; it first happened for me 30 or more years earlier when I won the 100yds sprint at the Kilkenny schools sports in 1952. I arrived in St. Josephs School for the Blind in 1954. Sport was hardly catered for there, at that time, despite there being many fine athletes. Sadly it all came too late for a lot of them. I was the lucky one. Best wishes to IBS on this special day. 

 BERNIE and the late JOE WALSH – 2010 joint recipients of National Award for Volunteers in Sport…

We first got involved with sport for the visually impaired in the early ‘70s when our son Tom was attending St. Joseph’s. We helped out with the school sports in those days. When our daughter Catherine showed an interest in athletics our May Games began.  Catherine has since represented Ireland at both athletics and tandem cycling at 5 Paralympics. As for ourselves, we really love being part of the May Games where we have been organisers and officials since the late ‘80s. 

JACQUI FULLAM – first Secretary of Irish BlindSports, former Sports and Social Club Secretary…

I remember in the late ‘80’s we had an equestrian competition at the May Games. They said my pony was quiet, placid, just like me! How wrong they were. Without warning he took off like the hammers of hell over jumps twice his size. Just as he dumped me over the finish line I heard the bell ring for our official start! The pony refused to go, so did I! Never again! 

JIM HARDING – IBS Tenpin bowling co-ordinator… 

 Over the years a number of friendships have been formed at the popular bowling sessions at the May Games. There have even been visits to other areas for further competition. Bowlers from Ireland have visited Glasgow and the Glasgow club has played in Ireland. Bowlers from Ireland have also gone to Prague and Malmo Sweden in the last few years to compete. Another event will be held in Basingstoke in September. There are stories of competitions in Bristol and Bath in England. And, it all started at the May Games…

MICHAEL LAVIN – Founding member and organiser of National League of the Blind Walking Group…2026 update: Michael is very active and involved in music, drama and so much more.

Not being very actively involved in sport, I don’t have many May Games memories but I do have a related anecdote concerning Pat Kelly. In the late ‘70s Pat worked as a darkroom technician out in Finglas. Pat and a group of lads with poor vision, used go up to St. Joseph’s School in Drumcondra to practise on their running track. This training usually occurred in the late evening and the lads had difficulty seeing, and staying, on the track. Pat got a brainwave! In his job they had hundreds of photographs which were being discarded. Pat took these and laid them down with the white side upwards and formed a white line along the length of the track. No excuse now for not towing the line. Ingenious wasn’t it?

ANN LYSTER – May Games organiser 1989-2004, IBS administrator over three decades…

Back in in1988 I participated in my first May Games in the hope of qualifying for the Seoul Paralympics later that year. To this day the furthest I ever got was competing in Lancaster and Manchester and while I may still hold the Irish Record for the Ladies B3 3000m I was never fast enough to represent my country at European, World or Paralympic Championship level. My heart found its home in the sport of administration from the very first IBS founding meeting back in November 1988. I have returned to Irish BlindSports after a break rearing my two girls through their early years.

TERRY CARTIN – former international swimmer; former Sports & Social Club administrator…

The early May Games bring back great, happy memories. In ’85 I was elected Chairman of the old Sports and Social Club of the League, just days before the May Games weekend. I remember on the Friday night we had a pre-Games gathering in the League and the place was hopping. By Saturday, with close on 100 overseas visitors the Revenue Club was packed to the rafters. By Sunday night in Bowe’s of Fleet St it was standing room only. Great days, indeed, but most peculiar mama!

MICHAEL CLARKE – European Marathon bronze medallist; current IBS administrator (former Chairman)…

 I have many, many great memories of May Games over the years and an organiser, spectator and competitor. I suppose I will never forget the late John Davis convincing me I could break the Irish 1000M record. It was Santry, probably 1995, and with John Davis calling the shots and keeping me in control I achieved 34 minutes, 34 seconds, a personal best and new Irish Record.

The late MICHAEL MEANEY – former international athlete and international chess player…

Our overnight accommodation for those first Games was at Dublin’s Northstar Hotel.  Eileen, my wife, and I booked a room for 2 but, by the early hours, we had about 16 guests. The cards came out and the whiskey flowed at a staggering 15 punts per bottle. The Hotel Manager came upon us and said we were noisier than the trains at the nearby Connolly Station. By morning all 16 rolled down to breakfast, each and every one declaring Room 311, my room, as theirs! Oh, what a night!