Team NI return home with 16 Commonwealth Games medals as minister praises athletes’ achievements

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons presents medals for the Men’s 90kg Boxing, including Bronze for Garyn McAllister, at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Northern Ireland’s athletes are returning home from the 2026 Commonwealth Games with 16 medals, three of them gold, after producing one of Team NI’s strongest performances on the international stage.

Across the competition, Team NI competitors claimed three gold, four silver and nine bronze medals, while many others recorded personal bests, season bests and national records, underlining the depth of talent across Northern Ireland sport.

Success beyond the medal table

As the Games concluded, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons congratulated the athletes, saying their achievements reflected not only sporting excellence but also the dedication and resilience required to compete at the highest level.

The minister, who attended the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow before returning later in the Games to present medals, said he had seen first-hand the commitment shown by competitors and their support teams.

“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.”

Lyons also announced that athletes, coaches and support staff will be recognised at a homecoming reception at Parliament Buildings this week.

Inspiring the next generation

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons presents medals for the Men’s 90kg Boxing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The minister said the impact of Team NI’s performances would extend well beyond the medals won.

“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.”

Looking ahead, he added:

“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 medal winners

Gold

• Katherine O’Connor – Athletics – Heptathlon

• Jon McConnell – Boxing – Men’s 70kg

• Gary Kelly & Adam McKeown – Bowls – Men’s Pairs

Silver

• Barry McClements – Para Swimming – Men’s 100m Backstroke S9

• Daniel Wiffen – Swimming – Men’s 1500m Freestyle

• Michaela Walsh – Boxing – Women’s 57kg

• Kaci Rock – Boxing – Women’s 65kg

Bronze

• Ellie McCartney – Swimming – Women’s 200m Breaststroke

• Bethany Firth – Para Swimming – Women’s 200m Freestyle S14

• William John McCartan – Boxing – Men’s 90+kg

• Jude Gallager – Boxing – Men’s 60kg

• Garyn McAllister – Boxing – Men’s 90kg

• Gary Kelly – Bowls – Men’s Singles

• Chloe Wilson & Shauna O’Neill – Bowls – Women’s Pairs

• Joshua Green – Judo – Men’s 73kg

• Rachael Hawkes – Judo – Women’s 70kg

The medal haul highlights the continued strength of Northern Ireland across a wide range of sports, from boxing and bowls to swimming, para sport, athletics and judo.

With athletes now set to receive an official homecoming reception, attention will soon turn to how this success can inspire greater participation in sport and help build towards future international competitions.