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Hero's welcome

Ireland's Special Olympics team had a hero's welcome at Dublin Airport today

All the best pictures from this morning’s homecoming.

IRELAND’S SPECIAL OLYMPIC athletes were in danger of weighing down the plane coming back to Dublin, such was the haul of medals they brought home from the world games in LA.

As well as 41 placement ribbons and 31 personal bests, Team Ireland’s 88 strong group of athletes were blinging with medals as they touched down in Dublin this morning.

26 gold, 28 silver and 28 bronze medals were on display at Dublin airport, to a hero’s welcome from the large crowd.

Family and friends greet Team Ireland athletes at Dubin airport Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Three Wicklow medalists shared the limelight, as John Rowan (bowling), Laura Reynolds (basketball), and Leo O’Brien (golf) hold the tri-colour aloft.

John Rowan, Laura Reynolds and Leo O'Brien Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Table tennis gold medalist Francis Power from Navan raised the roof…

Francis Power Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Before celebrating with his personal fan club…

Francis Power celebrates with family and friends Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

After a difficult couple of weeks for the Rebel Army, Youghal’s Sean Coleman finally gave Cork something to smile about with his two swimming medals.

Sean Coleman Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

You could hear Letterkenny gymnast Patrick Quinlivan coming from a mile away, with all those medals jingling.

Patrick Quinlivan with his haul of medals Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

And the Dubs were also celebrating, with swimmer Keith Butler from Walkinstown showing off his gold.

Keith Butler alongside Richie Leonard and his parents Anne and John Butler Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

The Sunday Game’s Des Cahill was double-jobbing as photographer for Bray’s Amy Quinn, who won medals in badminton.

Amy Quinn Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Dundalk’s James Meenan cleaned up on the track in athletics.

James Meenan with his gold, sliver and bronze medals Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

While soccer player David Carrick from Lucan celebrated his medal with his sister Lisa.

David Carrick with his sister Lisa Kelly Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

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