Wexford’s newest sporting hero, John Doyle, (34), was given a magnificent reception and a heroic welcome through the streets of Gorey this evening having won two bronze medals in the badminton mixed doubles at the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi.

MEETING MY HERO. Dan Walsh and John Doyle at the reception for the Special;Olympics World Games bronze medal champion at Naomh Éanna GAA Complex in Gorey. (Pic; Joe Dixon Photography).

An Garda Siochána led a victory parade through the streets of Gorey from the ’98 monument along the Main Street and Esmonde Street through Clonattin and finishing with a few words of congratulations and refreshments at Naomh Éanna GAA Complex.
Uniformed members of Gorey Fire Service saluted the hero and sounded their sirens in a fitting and emotional tribute to John’s extraordinary accomplishment. Flashing lights and victory sirens were the order of the day.
All along the route, groups of people emerged from various premises and cheered while John waved back in appreciation. Traffic came to a standstill for a champion!
Piper John Cullen from St. Michael’s Pipe Band added to the celebratory atmosphere on a calm and pleasant evening.
At the Naomh Éanna Complex, Chairperson Aidan Kelly acknowledged John Doyle’s unique achievement; Acting Cathaoirleach of Gorey Municipal District Council, Cllr Malcolm Byrne, thanked the various organisations and the people of Gorey for giving John such a wonderful welcome home as an Olympics World games dual medal winner, while John was modest in his few words acknowledging the fuss that was being made around him and said he had a wonderful time in Abu Dhabi and he thanked everybody for their warmth and kindness on his return to Gorey.
Following an eight and a half hour direct flight into Dublin Airport, John was an integral part of 91-strong Team Ireland that scooped an incredible 86 medals from the games which featured over 7,000 athletes from 170 different countries held over seven days and finished yesterday (Thursday).
John is a member of Special Olympics Club Gorey and St. Aidan’s Day Care Services and was absolutely thrilled at winning the medals and even more impressed by the welcome homecoming.
John Doyle from Gorey, competing in badminton, and Lisa Redmond (29), from Tomhaggard, in artistic gymnastics, were the Wexford representatives on Team Ireland 2019. Congratulations to them both – wonderful and proud ambassadors for the county and the country.