Team Ireland’s Winter Olympians were given a warm and heartfelt welcome home yesterday following what was described as a “fantastic four weeks in Italy” at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Family members, Government representatives, sporting officials and supporters gathered to honour Annabelle Zurbay, Cormac Comerford, Thomas Maloney-Westgaard and Ben Lynch after a Games that saw Ireland compete with distinction on the world stage.
Opening proceedings, Team Comms Chief Heather Boyle, with a smile as wide as the Olympic flame reflected on the privilege of witnessing the unique spirit of the Olympic Games.
“It was an absolute privilege to witness our athletes, to witness the best in the world doing what they do,” she said. “There’s something about the Olympic Games that you can’t describe until you’re there — the friendship between athletes, between nations. They compete fiercely and then congratulate each other at the bottom of the course. It’s really special.”
That spirit of camaraderie and excellence was echoed throughout the afternoon.
Minister Praises Athletes’ Lasting Legacy
Padraig O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, paid tribute to the athletes’ achievements and the wider teams behind them.
“To acquit yourself in the manner in which you did over the last number of weeks is a huge endorsement — not only for you personally but for us as a country,” he said. “You are now part of a very distinguished and privileged club.”
He reminded the four athletes that their Olympic status is permanent.
“Your names have now been added to a roll of honour that will stand the test of time. Regardless of what happens from here on in, that can never be taken away from you.”
The Minister also acknowledged the sacrifices made by families, coaches, mentors and sponsors.
“None of this would be possible without the people behind you. There are massive personal sacrifices — time away from home, from family occasions — in pursuit of something that makes us all immensely proud.”
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting both Summer and Winter Olympic programmes into the future.
Growing the Profile of Winter Sport
Minister of State for Sport, Charlie McConalogue congratulated the athletes for raising the profile of winter sport in Ireland.
“We’re not traditionally renowned for winter sports, but you have massively increased the profile over the past couple of weeks,” he said. “The coverage on people’s screens every night and the performances you delivered have given the country enormous pride.”
He expressed hope that participation and development in winter disciplines would continue to grow in the years ahead.
Pride, Reflection and Olympianism
Olympic Federation of Ireland President Lochlann Walsh described the occasion as one of “recognition, reflection and pride”.
“Pride for the athletes who carried the flag on the world’s biggest stage, and did so with courage, resilience and dignity,” he said.
Walsh highlighted the significance of becoming an Olympian, noting that just over 1,000 Irish athletes have competed at the Games, with only 35 of them Winter Olympians.
“You now take your place in a very select club,” he said.
Referencing the Olympic torches displayed around the venue, some dating back nearly 50 years, he spoke about their symbolism.
“They represent Ireland’s enduring place in a global tradition that seeks to unite nations through peaceful competition. The Olympic torch embodies excellence, friendship and respect — values these athletes have lived throughout their journey.”
He also acknowledged the particular challenges facing Irish Winter Olympians, from limited domestic facilities to the necessity of training abroad for extended periods.
“Qualification does not happen by accident. It happens because of sustained support — from Government, Sport Ireland, sponsors, including lead sponsor Allianz, and family. That contribution directly supports our athletes’ journeys.”
Walsh welcomed representatives from Prime Areba Holdings planning to bring permanent ice facilities to Dublin, describing the move as a potential foundation for future success.
Performances That Inspired
Chef de Mission Nancy Chillingworth delivered an emotional tribute to the four athletes, describing the Games as “something that just hits a little bit different” in winter sport.
“There’s a little bit of madness required to compete at the highest stage in winter conditions,” she said with a smile. “And you all have just that little bit of madness.”
She praised Thomas Maloney Westgaard for completing multiple gruelling alpine events, calling it “a phenomenal achievement” given the difficulty of the downhill and technical disciplines.
Annabelle Zurbay, who only recently turned 17, was commended for her composure competing against the giants of alpine skiing.
“To stand in that start gate at 17 and perform with such strength and composure was something really special,” she said, recalling a moment when Annabelle nearly lost control on her second slalom run before regaining it and finishing strongly.
Cormac Comerford was praised for pushing his performances from Games to Games, overcoming illness earlier in the season to deliver determined efforts once again on the Olympic stage, and finishing in the top one third of the competition.
And Ben Lynch’s halfpipe performance drew particular admiration.
“When you’re standing at the bottom looking up at how steep those sides are, television doesn’t do it justice,” she said. “To land a trick you had never done before, on the biggest stage, and score higher than ever before — that is performing at the very highest level.”
A Source of Hope and Joy
Speakers repeatedly returned to the broader meaning of the Olympic Games, especially at a time when the world faces multiple challenges.
“In a world that is challenged at the moment, you’ve given us hope, joy and a reason to smile,” Walsh told the athletes. “For that, we say thank you.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of participation pins and official Olympic numbers to each athlete — a tangible reminder of their place in Irish sporting history.
For a country better known for green fields than snow-covered slopes, the achievements of our four athletes represent a really solid foundation and with the next games also taking place in Europe, perhaps an opportunity to grow closer to sports outside our normal radar.
Image Credit: Team ireland and Sportsfile
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