'May We Never Have to Say Goodbye', The Athletes' Song of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games was released as a single on May 23rd, performed by Ronan Tynan, Rita Connolly, the National Symphony Orchestra, many of Ireland's finest traditional musicians, a pipe band and a choir of 500. The song was performed at the Opening Ceremony on June 21st in Croke Park, Dublin by 7,000 athletes and 65,000 members of the audience. 'May We Never Have to Say Goodbye' spent over 3 weeks at number 1 in the Irish charts.

One of Ireland's foremost composers, Shaun Davey was specially commissioned to compose original music for the Opening Ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games by Tyrone Productions, producers of the Opening Ceremony. All net proceeds from the sale of the CD will be donated to the Games.

The CD also features 'Dia do Bheathasa' a track inspired by a greeting first heard by Shaun Davey in West Kerry. The greeting 'Dia do Bheathasa' is typically used as words of welcome for those who arrive safely after a long journey.

Commenting on the tracks, composer Shaun Davey said "I am very honoured to have been entrusted with the task. Rare is the opportunity to be involved in such an uplifting occasion; and equally rare is the scale on which such work must be conceived. Seldom too is one given the opportunity to work with so many of one's favourite musicians; soloists, orchestral players, choirs and pipebands, all sharing the same sense of purpose and contributing with incomparable generosity."

"With particular reference to 'May We Never Have to Say Goodbye' the music is designed to extend a sense of welcome and to celebrate the huge achievement by all involved in coming together for the Games in Dublin. This song is also intended to reflect the spirit in which Special Olympics World Summer Games are held. To me that suggests a music that combines affirmation with humility in just the right degree, and I hope that these songs, and the specially-composed music in general, contribute fully to our shared demonstration as a nation of our heartfelt support for the athletes participating in the Games."

The CD single goes on sale in all music stores nationwide on May 23rd priced €5 with all proceeds going to the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. They will also be on sale from the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games by emailing orders to 2003worldgames.com or the single is available online from

The CD single includes performances by one of Ireland's finest singers, Rita Connolly, Acclaimed Irish Tenor, Ronan Tynan, The Voice Squad, The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, The Opening Ceremony Choir of in excess of 500, as well as featured musicians are: Brendan Begley (accordion & backing vocals) Seamus Begley (accordion & backing vocals) Nollaig Casey (fiddle) Noel Eccles (percussion) Triona Marshall (Irish harp) Rod McVey (keyboard) Des Moore (acoustic guitar) Liam O'Flynn (uilleann pipes/whistle) Joe Csibi (bass).

Ronan Tynan & Rita Connolly Performing at
the opening ceremony for the
Special Olympic World Games 2003