Meet Ireland’s ‘Older’ Olympics team

Meet the athletes

Stephen Watkins

Stephen has always enjoyed sport, whether participating or watching from the sidelines. Since retiring, he has remained active, continued learning Spanish at DCU and embraced opportunities to try new activities.

In Slovakia, he plans to take part in table tennis, bowling and the most versatile athlete competition. He is looking forward to representing Ireland, meeting competitors from other countries and showing that sport can be enjoyed throughout life.

Barbara Moynihan

Barbara is 77 and, in her own words, feels about 30. Sport has been part of her life for many years, sometimes competitively and always with a strong sense of enjoyment.

These days, her main sport is lawn bowls. She likes to win, knows how to lose and is approaching the Games with humour, confidence and a healthy competitive spirit.

Mark Brabazon

Retirement has given Mark more time to pursue the activities he enjoys. A former HR professional, he recently completed the challenge of climbing the three highest mountains in the UK.

Alongside sport, travel and golf, Mark is involved in drama and remains active at DCU through its courses and gym. The Games offer another opportunity to test himself and enjoy a new experience.

Sue Doyle

Sue began preparing for the Games by learning shooting and archery. Although both sports were new to her, focused coaching and regular practice quickly helped her become more confident.

Her preparations are a reminder that experience does not have to come before enthusiasm. Sometimes the most rewarding opportunities begin with trying something completely new.

Ronan Gately

Ronan has been involved in sport throughout his life, from Gaelic football and hurling to distance running, adventure racing and athletics.

Now a competitive masters athlete and sprint coach, he participates in events ranging from the 100 metres to the decathlon. For Ronan, travelling to Slovakia is also an opportunity to encourage more people to remain involved in sport as they get older.

Joan Daly

Joan has taken part in many DCU Age-Friendly University activities, including fitness classes, creative writing, psychology courses and dance workshops.

Her next challenge is table tennis in Slovakia. Joan is looking forward to meeting people from different countries, learning about their cultures and sharing an international sporting experience with her DCU companions.

About the Older Olympics

The 15th Olympic Games for Students of Universities of the Third Age will take place at the Technical University in Zvolen, Slovakia, on 16 and 17 September 2026.

DCU’s participants will join representatives from universities across Europe for sporting competitions, social activities and opportunities to exchange experiences.

The Games grew from an initiative developed by the University of the Third Age in Zvolen to combine learning with physical activity and support a better quality of life in later years.

Learn more from DCU      Visit the Offical Games Website

Staying active in later life

Physical activity can support our health and wellbeing, but its benefits extend beyond fitness. Joining a club, learning a new sport or accepting a fresh challenge can bring purpose, friendship and the simple pleasure of having something to look forward to.

The DCU participants heading to Slovakia show that there is no single way to remain active. Some bring years of competitive experience. Others are trying their chosen sports for the first time. What they share is a willingness to participate.