Dual gold medal winner, Margaret Walsh received a rousing welcome when she returned home on Saturday last amidst tremendous scenes of delight.  A native of Ballinascartha in Midleton, Margaret won the hearts of the local community in Ballintotis, Churchtown North, Midleton and Castlemartyr with her sensational double triumph in her inaugural appearance at the Special Olympics in China.

The region’s newest sporting sensation was applauded as she travelled in a distinctive white limousine through Midleton’s Main  Street, en route to victory function in Churchtwon North just over two miles from her home.

Here, hundreds of neighbours and friends cheered to the echo as Margaret proudly arrived, arms aloft and with two gold medals dangling from her neck.  There were emotional scenes as well wishers showered compliments in the direction of their fifteen year old neighbour who had conquered the world’s best in her chosen discipline of rhythmic gymnastics.

It was a particularly proud occasion for her parents Billy and Margaret who had shared every moment of their daughter’s double Olympic triumph.  Elated but close to exhaustion, the Walsh family celebrated in style with their extended family, friends and neighbours as they toasted the success of  their famous daughter. “It has been a fairytale few weeks for all of us”, commented Billy. “We travelled to China, knowing that a medal of any colour would be an absolute bonus.  Margaret did brilliantly in Belfast earlier on in the year in the domestic championships and when she was selected to represent Ireland it was an extremely proud moment for all the family”.

In the interim period the splendid work of Margaret’s local club coach Pauline O'Leary allied to the efforts of professional coach Síle Hassett, prepared Margaret for the most outstanding performance of her sporting life. A member of the Carrigaline based Owenabue Gymnastics Club, Margaret had the support of club chairperson Zelia Moran and Pauline O'Leary who both travelled to China at their own expense.  They were privileged to see their star pupil produce a meticulous performance in the pressure cooker atmosphere of the Olympic arena.

Going in to the ball competition, the competitor from Cuba was ranked as favourite for the gold medal”, recollects Billy Walsh. “Margaret was in the spotlight soon after and as her performance went on we all knew that it was something very special.  Her timing with the music was impeccable.  We felt it was good enough to win the gold medal and the judges emphatically agreed.  The feeling was unbelievable.  Margaret was ice cool, never lost her nerve and performed to the peak of her ability.  When the second gold medal arrived it was even more sensational. ”A fourth, fifth and sixth place finish in the floor, hoop and ribbon disciplines respectively, ensured that Margaret scooped her second gold medal as the overall outstanding gymnast.

Despite all the euphoria that surrounded Margaret’s triumph, the star of the show has taken events very much in her stride.  Having enjoyed the excitement when arriving back on home soil, Margaret quickly set her sights on returning to her normal routine by insisting that she went to school as usual at Scoil Bernadette, Montenotte on Monday morning. There her school mates were waiting with open arms to greet her colleague who had now become a sporting super star.