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Commonwealth Games Gold medalist Kate O'Connor was one of the athletes from Team NI honoured with a homecoming reception at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday to celebrate the teams success at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
The 25 year old Newry born O'Connor took top marks in the heptathlon championship with 6569 points at the Glasgow games on 29 July, just two years after she made history as Ireland's first heptathlete at the 2024 Olympics.
The reception paid tribute to the athletes, coaches and support staff whose dedication helped the team achieve a haul of 16 medals overall, comprising three gold, four silver and nine bronze, alongside numerous personal bests and record breaking achievements.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons who organised the reception said the performances had been an inspiring reflection of years of hard work. "It is a pleasure to welcome Team NI to Parliament Buildings and recognise the dedication, commitment and talent that has been displayed throughout the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Every athlete, coach, support staff member and official has played an important role in the team's success, representing Northern Ireland with pride and distinction on the Commonwealth stage. The performances we have witnessed have been truly inspiring and reflect years of hard work and determination. Whether through medals, personal bests or record-breaking achievements, Team NI has showcased the very best of Northern Ireland sport and provided a powerful source of inspiration for future generations."
Minister Lyons announced new investment of £200,000 for the next Commonwealth Games cycle, delivered in partnership with the Mary Peters Trust and Sport NI, to help young emerging athletes access training and competition opportunities in the early stages of their development. He also confirmed a further £2m to reopen a crowdfunder grant scheme launched with Sport NI last year, which has already helped local clubs and organisations invest in equipment and facilities.
Guests at the reception included Commonwealth Games NI Chair Dr Stephen Martin, Team NI Chef de Mission Conal Heatley, Team NI coaches, representatives from sports governing bodies covering the nine sporting disciplines involved, and Sport NI.
Gavin Boyd, Chair of Sport NI, congratulated the team on their achievements. "Congratulations to Team NI for a very successful Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. From medal-winning moments to personal bests and breakthrough performances, our athletes represented Northern Ireland with distinction and I'm sure have inspired the next generation of athletes to follow in their footsteps. Sport NI is proud to support Team NI, athletes and sports governing bodies through National Lottery funding. That investment helps provide the coaching, programmes and performance pathways that enable athletes to realise their potential and succeed on the international stage. We also recognise the vital contribution of coaches, support staff and governing bodies whose expertise and commitment underpin these achievements. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to build on this success and ensure that more athletes have the opportunity to pursue their sporting ambitions and represent Northern Ireland in the years ahead."
Minister Lyons concluded: "On behalf of everyone in Northern Ireland, I congratulate Team NI on an outstanding Commonwealth Games and thank them for the immense pride they have brought to us all. Their achievements have inspired communities throughout Northern Ireland and provide great confidence for the future of sport here."
