Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has congratulated Team NI on their achievements at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where athletes secured 16 medals — three gold, four silver and nine bronze — alongside personal and season bests and new records.

The Minister attended the Opening Ceremony and several events, meeting athletes and coaches, and presented medals during the Games.

Speaking after presenting a medal, 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."

He 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's medal winners were: 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.