'This recognition is special because it comes from home': Freedom of Ards and North Down conferred on Newtownards’ golden gymnast Rhys McClenaghan
Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Rhys McClenaghan has described how it’s a “true honour” to have been conferred the Freedom of Ards and North Down.
The award was presented in recognition of the impact McClenaghan has made on gymnastics in Northern Ireland and in placing Ards and North Down on the global sporting stage.
He received the award at a formal ceremony on Friday evening.
McClenaghan, from Newtownards, created history by winning Ireland’s first gold medal in gymnastics, in the pommel horse category, at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A three‑time World Champion, as well as a Commonwealth and European Champion, he also became an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours list.
Speaking about his latest accolade, the 26-year-old said: “Receiving the Freedom of the Borough is a true honour for me, my family and my support team.
"The recognition is special because it comes from home. I hope that my story shows young people across Northern Ireland what is possible when you work hard, stay determined and believe in yourself.”
The council said McClenaghan’s journey, from early training in local sports halls in Newtownards to becoming a global champion, has inspired a new generation of young gymnasts. Across schools, clubs and community settings, McClenaghan is “admired not only for his accomplishments but for the dedication, humility and courage”.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said: “He is a truly inspirational young man who shows us what can be achieved through determination and belief.
“This recognition is for all that Rhys has accomplished so far and for all that is still to come. And I think we would all agree there is much more ahead – we all look forward to watching!”
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that a Borough Council can bestow. Freemen were, for example, often exempt from paying certain tolls or taxes and indeed, under a Borough’s charter, were often the only members of a community entitled to stand for civic office. By the late 19th century, however, a new law redefined the award as a purely honorary title.