Special Olympics 5 Euro Coin Ireland

The Special Olympics were held in Ireland in 2003 and to mark the occasion the Central Bank of Ireland issued a special presentation folder featuring a specially issued Irish €5 Euro Coin.

This was the first occasion when the Special Olympics was held outside Ireland. It was the largest sporting event in the world in 2003.

Thousands of athletes took part from around the world and a huge number of Irish people acted as unpaid volunteers for its duration.  The opening ceremony in Croke Park was attended by Nelson Mandela and U2 performed.