Post box painted gold for Smyth

Published Friday, 14 September 2012
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A post box in Eglinton has been painted gold to mark Jason Smyth's double victory at the Paralympic Games.

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Officials from the Royal Mail completed the two-hour paint job in Smyth's hometown on Friday morning.

He was previously turned down for the honour because he represented Team Ireland rather than Team GB - however public outcry led to a change of heart.

The 25-year-old - who defended his 100m and 200m sprint crowns in style at the 2012 Games in London - has welcomed the arrival of the gold mailbox on Twitter.

He said: "Gold post box on the way, great to see a change of heart from @RoyalMail."

Jason's grandfather, Robert Boyd Smyth, said: "I don't know how long it'll last for, but hopefully it's for the year at least, and it'll bring attention to the village.

"There's a great spirit in the village and everyone's just pulling together for Jason and that's obviously helped Royal Mail make up its mind and go for the gold post box."

Royal Mail will also paint boxes for Glengormley runner Micheal McKillop and Seaford swimmer Bethany Firth.

The 16-year-old 100m backstroke champion said: "They asked us, because I live in Seaforde, which one we would like but there is only one in Seaforde so I said I would go for that one!"

Meanwhile a celebration has been held at Stormont to toast the success of Northern Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic athletes, who brought home a glittering medal haul.

They gathered at Parliament Buildings on Thursday for a special reception, which reflected on their achievements and the future of NI sport.

"We want to make sure that the momentum is going to carry," said Coleraine single sculls bronze medallist Alan Campbell.

"We want to make sure that these little pieces of metal are more than just pieces of metal they actually mean something."

McKillop said: "It means something special to be asked to come up to Parliament Building and be honoured by everyone, the representatives of Northern Ireland, it's a great honour."

The London Olympics saw the region claim its biggest ever medals total, with five competitors making it onto the podium. Two of those were the silvers gained by the Chambers brothers in the light-weight men's four.

Peter and Richard said: "We are athletes, we train very hard to get to the Olympics and the Paralympics. It takes a lot and we know how much each of us has had to work just to get to the Games. To see fellow athletes do well is a great encouragement."

While the evening was all about dwelling on the glory of 2012, Olympic legend Dame Mary Peters said those who came away disappointed can take inspiration from Northern Ireland's achievements as they prepare for the next Games in Rio in 2016.

"Those who didn't quite make it this time round will be inspired to continue in the future," explained Dame Mary.

"Going into an Olympic stadium is scary the first time around and they will have gained from that experience."

© UTV News
Comments Comments
16 Comments
Nick Kent in Belfast wrote (243 days ago):
" Why would Royal Mail (a British company) paint post boxes for a Foreign Team?" Because Irish citizens living in the state of N.I. have to pay taxes which help to subsidise Royal Mail?
Michael H in Belfast wrote (243 days ago):
It was my understanding that these post boxes were to be painted for Team GB athletes only. Maybe those who competed for Team Ireland should have thought about that beforehand. Why have Royal Mail backtracked. Because people made an outcry! So what. Why would Royal Mail (a British company) paint post boxes for a Foreign Team??? Beggars belief!!!
Jim in Munster wrote (243 days ago):
Someone asked : " Why is my money used in Belfast to honour boxers of a foreign Olympic team ?" Answer : For the same reason that Eugene Pat O'Donnell's money was used in Coleraine to fete members of what he deems a foreign team. It's what you all signed up to, in spirit at least, when you voted for the Belfast agreement.
Paul in Antrim wrote (244 days ago):
Tom is bang on here. If they chose to represent another country then let that country so their support. Nothing to do with the UK and team GB (which, before you silly people say it........ DOES INCLUDE NORTHERN IRELAND).
Rafa in belfast wrote (244 days ago):
This man did not represent Team GB and as such should not have the same honour bestowed upon him as Team GB winners have. This is an honour given by Royal Mail and despite what others have mentioned about funding, it does not alter the fact that he did not represent GB and does not qualify for this award.
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