Laois community celebrates pioneering Irish athlete

A pioneering Laois sportswoman who broke new ground for Ireland aged just 12 has been honoured in her native county with a permanent memorial in her honour that was unveiled at a special event recently.

Family, friends, representatives of the Special Olympics movement, and public representatives gathered in Castletown on Sunday, January 18 to honour the memory of the late Bernadette (Bern) MacRedmond on the first anniversary of her passing in 2025.

The Laois woman was a member of the first Irish Special Olympics Team in 1979. She competed in the Special Olympics in New York, where she won a Bronze medal for Ireland in the 200 metres. It was the first time Ireland sent a team to the games.

While she was the first person from Laois to win a medal at the Special Olympics, her contribution and achievement marked one of the earliest successes for her country at the games. In a tribute paid at the time of her death, Special Olympics Ireland praised Bern as "one of the early pioneer athletes" for Team Ireland.

A daughter of Bernie and Sheila McRedmond, Bern was from Knockanina near Mountrath, and was one of 11 children. It was while at school that her love of sport emerged, and at the age of just 12, she qualified for the Special Olympics. She was one of just 15 athletes to compete for Ireland. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Donal and Chris McRedmond unveil the Bernadette McRedmond bench in Castletown. Photo: James Fennelly

After her Special Olympics success, she went on to win many national medals.

Outside of sport, Bern was a beloved member of Laois Arch Club for over 30 years, making lots of friends along the way.

This remarkable Laois woman's contribution was remembered with pride with the unveiling of a polished stone memorial bench in Castletown to honour her life and her Special Olympics achievement. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: Fr Brian Griffin PP with the McRedmond family at the unveiling of the Bernadette McRedmond bench in Castletown.
Photo: James Fennelly.

The unveiling was preceded by a Mass led by Fr Brian Griffin which was attened by members of the McRedmond family and special guests who included Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh and Meadhbh McHugh of Special Olympics Leinster.

Fint Cuddy was the MC at the cermony which included performances by the Timahoe Male Choir, Linda McGill and Aisling Mulhall.

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Kathleen and Michael McRedmond presented the Bernadette McRedmond Perpetual Cup to Liz and Kizzie Clear, with members of Laochra Laois and Ms McHugh, who is Special Olympics Leinster regional development officer.

Linda McGill and Aisling Mulhall performed two of Bernadette’s favourite songs while the event concluded with 'Lovely Laois' sung by the Timahoe Male Choir.