Lyons congratulates Team NI on Commonwealth Games success
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Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has congratulated all Team NI athletes on their achievements and performances throughout the Games.
Team NI athletes delivered a series of outstanding performances winning a total of 16 medals, including three gold, four silver and nine bronze, while also securing personal and season bests and setting new records.
The Minister attended the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow and attended a number of events, meeting athletes and coaches.
Speaking after presenting a medal yesterday, Minister Lyons said:
“As the Commonwealth Games come to a close, I congratulate every Team NI athlete who represented Northern Ireland with distinction.
“Every athlete has made us proud through their commitment, resilience and determination.
“It was my privilege to see first-hand the dedication and hard work that goes into competing at this level. It was an honour to return this week to present medals, celebrating sporting excellence on the international stage.”
The Minister continued:
“The success of Team NI extends far beyond the medal table. These athletes are role models who will inspire the next generation to get involved in sport and encourage those already participating to pursue their ambitions.
“By way of thanks, I will host a homecoming reception for our athletes, coaches and support staff at Parliament Buildings this week.”
The Minister concluded:
“The future of sport in Northern Ireland is bright. Every member of Team NI has shown what can be achieved through hard work, determination and belief. I look forward to seeing Team NI continue to build on this success in the years ahead.”
Team NI athletes secured the following medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games:
- Katherine O’Connor – Gold – Athletics – Heptathlon
- Jon McConnell – Gold – Boxing – Men’s 70kg
- Gary Kelly & Adam McKeown – Gold – Bowls – Men’s Pairs
- Barry McClements – Silver – Para Swimming – Men’s 100m Backstroke S9
- Daniel Wiffen – Silver – Swimming – Men’s 1500m Freestyle
- Michaela Walsh – Silver – Boxing – Women’s 57kg
- Kaci Rock – Silver – Boxing – Women’s 65kg
- Ellie McCartney – Bronze – Swimming – Women’s 200m Breaststroke
- Bethany Firth – Bronze – Para Swimming – Women’s 200m Freestyle S14
- William John McCartan – Bronze – Boxing – Men’s 90+kg
- Jude Gallager – Bronze – Boxing – Men’s 60kg
- Garyn McAllister – Bronze – Boxing – Men’s 90kg
- Gary Kelly – Bronze – Bowls – Men’s Singles
- Chloe Wilson and Shauna O’Neill – Bronze – Bowls Women’s Pairs
- Joshua Green – Bronze – Judo – Men’s 73kg
- Rachael Hawkes – Bronze – Judo – Women’s 70kg
Notes to editors:
- Photo captions: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons presents medals for the Men’s 90kg Boxing, including Bronze for Garyn McAllister, at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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