Events planned to welcome Northern Ireland’s Olympic heroes home

An event will take place for swimmer Daniel Wiffen in Magheralin later.

Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen celebrates (PA) (PA Wire)

A host of special homecoming events have been planned to welcome back Northern Ireland’s Olympic heroes following the 2024 games in Paris.

Athletes from the region picked up a record four gold medals thanks to swimmers Daniel Wiffen and Jack McMillan, rower Hannah Scott and gymnast Rhys McClenaghan.

The last Olympic gold medal won by an athlete from Northern Ireland was in 1988 when Stephen Martin was part of the Team GB hockey team.

The village of Magheralin is set to come to a standstill later as crowds gather to congratulate Wiffen, who won both a gold medal in the men’s 800m freestyle and a bronze medal in the 1,500m freestyle.

A welcome home event has been planned by Magheralin Community Association at St Patrick’s Parish Hall.

On Wednesday afternoon, Scott who won a gold medal in the women’s quadruple sculls event, will be honoured with a day of celebrations in her home town of Coleraine.

It is set to include a meet and greet at Bann Rowing Club as well as a parade through the town to the Town Hall for a private reception.

Meanwhile on Friday, Ards and North Down Borough Council will host festivities for two Olympic gold medallists from the area.

Some 10 athletes from the borough competed in Paris, including McClenaghan – who won gold in the men’s pommel horse event – and McMillan, who won gold as part of the Team GB men’s 4x200m relay team.

Ards and North Down mayor Alistair Cathcart said: “Friday evening’s event provides everyone with a great opportunity to show their support in person.

“We particularly hope local sports clubs will turn out, in their kits, as this will be a great visual reminder of the diverse range of sports enjoyed across our borough and maybe encourage more people to sign up to have a go.”