There were emotional scenes at Dublin Airport as hundreds gathered to give a hero’s welcome to Team Ireland from the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
The 91 athletes won a massive 86 medals between them including 30 gold, 29 silver and 27 bronze, which has been heralded as one of the most successful ever for the team.
There was rapturous applause from family, friends and fans, as the competitors and their coaching teams made their way through the crowds at the packed arrivals area.
People were singing, chanting and crying tears of joy as each athlete walked through with medals around their neck.
The games saw an action-packed week of sport, with medal wins for the Irish squad in all 12 sports including athletics, badminton, basketball, football, golf and gymnastics.
Team Ireland scoop an incredible 86 medals at Special Olympics Summer Games in Abu Dhabi
Among the winner was Jack McFadden, 17, who won two gold medals and two forth place in swimming.
Speaking about his success, he said: “I’m still trying to think of words to say, my mind is blown. I want to thank anyone who has supported me.
“The positiveness, meeting all the other athletes from all the other countries, it’s all just been amazing.
“The atmosphere has been amazing and I’m going to enjoy the glory. I have to think of where to put my medals still.”
And his proud mum Maria McFadden, from Clonee, Co Dublin, said she’s over the moon.
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She told the Irish Mirror: “When we were told that Jack had intellectual disabilities our lives were shattered.
“But I was always told to find strength in Jack and this was one of strengths he had, swimming. We went along and he couldn’t swim great at first but now he’s an amazing swimmer.
“I’m absolutely thrilled. I was there when he won. We were ecstatic, it was amazing.
“The whole thing will teach him a lot about being independent.”
Meanwhile, Mathew Brennan, 35, from Cregclare, Ardrahan, Co Galway, said he’s overjoyed at winning two gold and a silver in Bocce.
He said: “It’s fantastic to come home to such an amazing welcome.
“There’s a massive crowd. I’m so happy. My coach was the best.”
And golfer John Keating, 37, from Knocklyn, Dublin, who won a gold and silver said it was a tough few days but worth it.
He said: “Four days of 18 hole golf. I knew it was going to be tough but I took it one day at a time.
“When I woke up the next day after I won I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t get my head around it.
“I have made some amazing friends over the last two weeks too.”
Speaking at the homecoming, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English said: “The incredible achievements of our athletes over the last week has resulted in a ripple of pride across the country, as so many people, both at home and around the world, have followed their journey.
“The medals, ribbons and personal bests they achieved were beyond all expectations but it was their energy, passion and pride that captured people’s hearts.
“Special Olympics is about more than just medals, these Games were a life-changing experience for our athletes and for everyone involved.
“We would also like to thank the volunteers, coaches, staff and families that have played such an important role in these Games, and in supporting our athletes to get to this point.”
