Plans for an Olympic homecoming for Gold medal winner Rhys McClenaghan are underway following his weekend success at Paris 2024.
The 25-year-old from Newtownards, Co Down, is one of the 37 athletes from the north representing Team Ireland (31) and Team GB (6) across 14 sports.
Supporters gathered in his hometown to watch the gymnast secure gold in the pommel horse final.
Following his win Ards and North Down council confirmed they are planning for a homecoming event.
“We have loved seeing Rhys work towards this achievement with coach Luke Carson – the magic came together in the heart of Newtownards and we know people across the Borough feel extremely proud at this time and want an opportunity to celebrate with Rhys in the coming weeks”, it said in a statement.
“Planning for a homecoming event has started however we need some time to confirm the details with Rhys and Luke. Please bear with us in the meantime – we will share information as soon as we have it.”
Plans are also underway in Coleraine to celebrate fellow gold medalist Hannah Scott.
The 25-year-old won GB’s first ever Olympic gold medal in the Women’s quadruple sculls
A Causeway Coast and Glens Council spokesperson said it is liaising with the Bann Rowing Club to help to mark her success.
No further plans have been announced by local government and council to celebrate the success of the other medallists including swimmer Daniel Wiffen from Armagh.
However, as the second week of the Paris Games commence it’s likely further events will be planned in the coming weeks.
Several medals have been won by local competitors after Daniel Wiffen’s bronze added to his gold and those of Hannah Scott, Rhys McClenaghan and Jack McMillan, the silver for Rebecca Shorten and bronze for Philip Doyle.
Northern Ireland had previously won just three gold medals in the Olympics.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor said that if Ireland’s medal success continues, he hopes to hold a “gigantic” homecoming in the capital.
He told the Irish Mirror : “I really hope we do continue with the successes that we’ve had and we can have a massive celebration on O’Connell Street, our main thoroughfare.
“We’ve done other homecomings in different parts of our city that, to my mind, don’t reflect the enormous success.”
