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Rhys McClenaghan becomes emotional after completing his Olympic final routine.

Rhys McClenaghan wins Olympic gold for Ireland

The Co. Down man earned a sensational, career-best score of 15.533 to win his pommel horse final.

RHYS MCCLENAGHAN HAS claimed gold for Ireland at the Paris Olympics after winning his pommel horse final.

McClenaghan’s routine was awarded a career-best score of 15.533 by the judges.

The two-time world champion from Co. Down is Ireland’s third gold medallist of these Paris games after swimmer Daniel Wiffen and rowing team Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy.

McClenaghan’s success in this gymnastics final yielded Ireland’s 14th ever Olympic gold medal and saw him become Ireland’s first ever Olympic medallist in his sport.

McClenaghan was the fourth gymnast to perform his routine in Saturday’s final and overtook then-leader Nariman Kurbanov, whose score of 15.433 was enough for the Kazakh to take silver.

American Stephen Nedoroscik, who earned the joint highest score of the heats alongside McClenaghan, took bronze with 15.300.

Back-to-back Olympic champion Max Whitlock of Great Britain finished outside the medal spots in fourth with a score of 15.200.

McClenaghan’s score of 15.533 was a personal best and proved unassailable in what had been billed as one of the most hotly contested finals of the entire Olympic Games.

The Newtownards native increased the difficulty of his routine to 6.6 and earned an 8.9 for his execution, the highest of any of the eight finalists.

McClenaghan, 25, broke into tears as he was presented with his Olympic gold medal.

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    Mute Bognor regis
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    Jul 12th 2017, 7:29 PM

    Come on dundalk! Best of luck from a CCFC supporter.

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    Mute Adrian Costigan
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    Jul 12th 2017, 7:36 PM

    Top priority is a clean sheet, mightn’t be the most open game

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    Mute Gerard O'Brien
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    Jul 12th 2017, 7:37 PM

    While Rosenborg as the seeded side are probably favourites. Dundalk won’t fear them as they are well used to playing high calibre teams in Europe. Hopefully they can nick the win in what should be a tight game.

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    Mute ⚡ Seánie ⚡
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    Jul 12th 2017, 7:16 PM

    H’on the Town

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    Mute Ronan O'Healy
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    Jul 12th 2017, 8:03 PM

    Davie mc boy!

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    Mute Bognor regis
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    Jul 12th 2017, 8:07 PM

    Aaargh, could’ve been two. Dundalk looking comfortable, these lads there for the taking. Be great to go over with a couple goals to hold on to.

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    Mute jason stenson
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    Jul 12th 2017, 7:18 PM

    Is that the nicholas bendtner who”played” for arsenal ?? If so advantage dundalk cause he’s a lazy bo**ix who’ll stroll around the pitch..

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    Mute Kieran Keegan
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    Jul 12th 2017, 8:26 PM

    Dundalk hopefully keep going and score a second without conceding.
    Knowledge of European games from last year to help

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    Mute Freddie Rincon
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    Jul 12th 2017, 8:27 PM

    Fabulous stuff so far. Stephen Kenny has his tactics spot on again. Should be seriously considered the next time Ireland are in the market for a new man.

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    Mute Baron Von Beer
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    Jul 12th 2017, 10:07 PM

    Good football tiny bit more but exxell

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    Mute sean mcgoey
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    Jul 12th 2017, 7:02 PM

    At least rubbish telly everywhere got this game.

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