Four local Olympians who were involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics were honoured at a Council reception.

Councillor John McClaughry, chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, hosted the event for Irish Olympians Ross Corrigan, Nathan Timoney, Claire Boles, and Team Ireland's Chef de Mission, Gavin Noble.

Councillor McClaughry said: "It was a remarkable achievement to have not one but four young people from Fermanagh playing a key part in the Paris Olympics this year.

Councillor John McClaughry Claire Boles (Image: Fermanagh and Omagh District Council) "Nathan and Ross, it was during your time at school at Portora Royal Grammar School, now Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, that your keen interest in rowing started.

"You have both won many titles since you started rowing including a World U23 silver in a four in three years ago.

He said: "Your opening race saw you finish third ahead of a strong Switzerland crew and this resulted in automatic qualification for the semi-finals.

"You knew that a third-place finish in the semis would earn you a place in the final and you achieved just that."

Councillor John McClaughry with Ross Corrigan and Nathan Timoney (Image: Fermanagh and Omagh District Council) He also commended Ms Boles for her rugby career.

She joined the Ireland Senior Sevens Team in 2017 and has since secured three caps for Ireland at the Women’s Six Nations in 2019.

She made her Olympic debut against Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He said: "You definitely have and will continue to be an inspiration to many young girls at Enniskillen Rugby Football Club."

Mr. Noble, who was the first male to represent Ireland in the triathlon at the London Olympics in 2012, was also celebrated for his role in leading Team Ireland in Paris.

Councillor John McClaughry and Gavin Noble (Image: Fermanagh and Omagh District Council) Councillor McClaughry said: "Your goal was to bring home more medals than from Tokyo and you achieved this with seven."

He concluded his speech with a message of congratulations.

He said: "Nathan, Ross, Claire and Gavin, your success at the Paris Olympics and throughout your sporting career is testament to your dedication to training and this is admirable as you have undoubtedly made sacrifices along the way to be the best sportsperson you can be.

"I am delighted that this hard work has paid off and you have enjoyed this outstanding success and it will be one experience you will never forget.

"You have done yourselves, your clubs, your coaches, your county, your district and your country proud."