Rio 2016 Paralympics: Ireland team receives heroes’ homecoming in Dublin

Ireland’s Paralympic team received a heroes’ homecoming at Dublin Airport on Wednesday as they returned from the Rio Games with 11 medals.

Glengormley man Michael McKillop, who retained his T37 1500m title in Rio, described the turnout of family, friends and fans as “incredible”.

“I’ve just met a young girl and her mum who left home from Ballycastle at six this morning,” said McKillop, 26.

“They came here just to see me. That’s very emotional for me.”

The county Antrim runner and his Rio room-mate, sprint star Jason Smyth both received huge cheers as they emerged together into the arrivals hall.

McKillop’s retention of his 1500m title saw him earning the fourth Paralympic gold of his career while Eglinton man Smyth, 29, took a fifth gold in his third Games as he dominated the T13 100m final.