Rhys McClenaghan is going to the Commonwealth Games. Having been told in May that he and two fellow Northern Ireland gymnasts had been barred from competing at the event in Birmingham, the Newtownards man received the best possible news at the weekend. The International Gymnastics Federation has granted Rhys, Eamon Montgomery and Ewan McAteer a special dispensation to compete in the Games despite previously saying they could not compete because they have represented Ireland in international competitions. The reigning Commonwealth Games champion in the pommel horse, Rhys said he felt a ‘huge amount of relief’ when he heard the news of the about face by the Federation. “It’s been a challenging past month or so since we found out we weren’t going to the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “It was baffling at the start and it does start to eat into your psyche a bit throughout training and after you leave training, but now there’s a huge amount of relief,” he added. “It’ll be a huge weight off all or our shoulders. “As team-mates we’re going to go out there stronger than ever. It was a disappointing month but I’m glad it was the right outcome.” Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey, welcomed the reversal having contacted the Federation on the athletes’ behalf. “I welcome the decision on behalf of the local athletes,” she said. “I spoke to Eamon Montgomery, Ewan McAteer and Rhys McClenaghan following the original decision by FIG and they were devastated by the move. “I am delighted these three talented local athletes can now continue their focused preparations to compete at this year’s Commonwealth Games next month in Birmingham.” Strangford MP, Jim Shannon, said he couldn’t be more pleased that Rhys ‘will be given the rightful opportunity to defend his title.” “Common sense has prevailed and hopefully this will be the last time that anyone tries to prevent Rhys from Newtownards from representing Northern Ireland,” said Mr Shannon.
