Olympic fever hit Newtownards as the official homecoming of our Paris heroes got under way in a borough which boasts the biggest gold medal haul of the Games.
Hundreds packed into Conway Square to catch a glimpse of the athletes as they took to the stage to celebrate with locals.
Team Ireland gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, who came first in the pommel event, said just being able to train in his hometown before the Olympics meant he felt like he had hit the jackpot.
“I think the best thing I’ve done in my career is move back home and prepare for my second Olympic Games right here,” he said.
“I had the privilege of doing that because of Origin Gymnastics opened by my coach Luke Carson. Just to be here at home preparing felt like I had already won because I saw first-hand the support that this town can give me, and now to have got the job done and bring back this gold medal and celebrate with all those supporters is a special feeling.”
The 25-year-old was forced to train in his garden back in 2018 after his elite coach was made redundant by Rathgael Gymnastics Club in Bangor.
“There’s been doubt along the way, difficult days and sacrifices,” the Olympian admitted.
“A lifetime of dedication has all boiled down to this medal around my neck. Yes, it’s been difficult to get here but I persevered. I kept my goal crystal clear and I achieved it.”
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The double world champion, three-time European champion and Commonwealth champion added: “It feels like a lifetime of work paying off on this little thing around my neck, so that’s a crazy feeling.
“It’s going to be a task to almost change something that was a distant goal in the future to something that has now happened.
“That’s scary, but I asked for it and I got it, so I just need to deal with it. I feel like I’m dealing with it pretty well by celebrating with all my hometown people.”
A carnival atmosphere permeated the town centre on Friday afternoon as well-wishers gathered.
The event was arranged to celebrate 10 athletes from the borough who competed in the Games, including Team GB relay swimmer Jack McMillan, who won gold within an hour of Dan Wiffen’s stunning victory in the 800m freestyle for Team Ireland.
McClenaghan praised the special bond between local athletes, insisting they come together “as one”, even though they compete for different nations.
Meanwhile, McMillan said he hoped the success will inspire a new generation of athletes.
He added: “It’s surreal. We work all our lives, it’s a life’s work.
“Getting to the Olympics is special, but to come away with an Olympic medal is the cherry on top.”
He plans to travel around Asia before returning to training in Scotland later in the autumn.
He was making the most of the chance to celebrate last night.
“To come back to where it all began, especially in North Down and Bangor Swimming Club, and to see the smiles on people’s faces is something special,” he said.
Stilt-walkers and face-painters entertained the large crowd before the Olympians arrived.
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Runner Rachel McCann and hockey player Michael Robson were joined by special guest Lady Mary Peters, who rose to fame after winning the pentathlon at the 1972 Munich Games.
“We’re not Brazil, we’re Northern Ireland,” she told the crowd.
Elaine Mason (38) from Portaferry was among those who wanted to be part of the celebrations with her husband Oliver and their two children.
“I just think they have done really well and it’s nice to come out and show them that we think that,” she said.
As McClenaghan signed autographs, including many young people who had made banners to welcome him home, he encouraged them to chase their dreams.
“I’m just a young kid that’s grown up in Newtownards,” he said. “I’m just like you guys, so to the younger generations watching this right now, you can do the same. You can go and chase your dreams as much as you like because one day they might come true.”
The party is set to continue after Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed a special reception will be held later this year to celebrate the success.
Mr Lyons praised Lady Mary, who “gave us something to celebrate” during the darkest days of the Troubles.
“Dream big,” the DUP MLA urged the crowd.
“Whether Team GB or Team Ireland — it doesn’t matter. We have got your back.”