The book now includes additional insights from the blog post titled "The Story So Far: A Friendship That Carried More Than Memories" by William Hyland, published in May 2025. These additions deepen the reader's understanding of the emotional, financial, and social challenges faced by Josephine and the author during and after the 2005 Bray house fire, and throughout Josephine’s journey within Special Olympics Ireland.

New content added to the book:

Personal Tragedy and Support:
The fire that killed William’s father in December 2005 left William homeless. Josephine, alongside the author, stepped in to support him through this devastating time. Her consistent visits to Bray on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and her stays in Dublin with the author on other days, reflect her dedication and the trio's close-knit bond. These events solidified the emotional foundation of their friendship.

Josephine’s Involvement with Special Olympics:
After joining a local Special Olympics club in 2008, Josephine found purpose and a sense of belonging. However, this also marked the beginning of increasing demands on her time and finances. Her participation in the 2010 All-Ireland Games in Limerick became a turning point—she skipped meals to afford club fees and costs related to the games. This detail illustrates the immense pressure she endured to maintain involvement.

Financial Struggles and External Support:
The author, aware of Josephine's sacrifices, gave her €500 during the Limerick Games to ensure she could eat and travel safely. This moment highlights both the dedication of volunteers and the failure of the organization to provide adequate support to its athletes.

Critique of Club Practices:
The story critiques how clubs relied on unpaid volunteers like Josephine, who had to handle significant logistical and caregiving responsibilities. Club leaders expected volunteers to attend meetings, monitor athletes, and travel long distances—all while many struggled financially and received minimal support.

Recent Advocacy Efforts:
In 2025, the author reached out to Special Olympics Ireland HQ about Josephine’s experience. This prompted a response acknowledging Josephine’s story and a promise to investigate issues around club governance, volunteer burdens, and financial pressure on athletes.

These updates reinforce the book’s core message: behind the medals and celebrations lie human stories of endurance, friendship, sacrifice, and a deep need for reform in how disability sports organizations support their communities.


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