Tributes as 'the best of men' and Special Olympian Pat Dorgan dies

Not only did Pat Dorgan attain sporting success, he was a trailblazer for inclusion and became the face of the 2007 Special Olympics

Cork man Pat Dorgan on his way to winning the first of his two bronze medals at the Special Olympic World Games in Shanghai in 2007. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Tributes have been paid following the death of one of Ireland’s most successful Special Olympians.

Pat Dorgan, who became one of the stars of the Special Olympics in China in 2007, and who afterwards became a poster boy for inclusion through sport, died peacefully at the Dorgan family home on Cork’s northside on Thursday surrounded by members of his family. He was 59.