Daniel Wiffen: Olympic champion to be honoured with name on home village signage and leisure centre plaque
A plaque is to be erected at Craigavon’s South Lake Leisure Centre in honour of 800-metre freestyle Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen, the premium leisure facility being where the Magheralin athlete trains when he is at home.
His name will also be added to the ‘Magheralin’ village sign. A motion calling for the gold medallist to be formally honoured, was tabled at Monday’s (November 24) ABC Council meeting.
It was worded as follows: “This Council formally recognises the outstanding sporting achievements of Daniel Wiffen, from Magheralin, who won a gold medal in the men’s 800-metre freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an individual Olympic gold medal since 1972.
“This Council approves the installation of a recognition plaque at South Lake Leisure Centre, where Daniel trains when at home, to honour his historic accomplishment, and to inspire future generations of local athletes.
“This Council agrees to update the Council boundary signage for Magheralin to include the words ‘Home of Olympic Gold Medallist Daniel Wiffen’, in recognition of his contribution to local, national, and international sports.”
The motion was proposed by Cllr Peter Haire (DUP, Lurgan DEA), and seconded by ABC Lord Mayor, Ald Stephen Moutray (DUP, Lurgan DEA).
Presenting his motion, Cllr Haire stated: “The Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon area continuously punches above its weight in sport, producing champions across many disciplines.
“At the 2024 Paris Olympics, several of our athletes shone, but one achievement stands above the rest. Daniel Wiffen, from Magheralin, made history by winning in the Men’s 800 metres freestyle, becoming the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an individual Olympic gold since 1972.
“He joins the ranks of icons like Lady Mary Peters. At just 23 years old, Daniel’s achievements are already remarkable.
World Class
“With a population of just over 2,000, Magheralin is proud of Daniel. Other Councils, such as Ards & North Down for Rory McIlroy, have taken similar steps to honour world-class athletes.
“I am pleased to confirm that Daniel and his parents fully support these proposals. Unfortunately, Rachel and Jonathan Wiffen could not be with us this evening, as Rachel is currently in hospital. We send our very best wishes and hope for speedy recovery, and I know they’re listening online.
“Colleagues, I urge you to support this motion, and give Daniel the recognition he richly deserves for his exceptional talent, the pride he brings to Magheralin, and inspiration he provides across our borough and beyond.”
The ABC Lord Mayor expressed similar support for the motion, stating: “I am delighted to second this. Daniel has done himself proud, his family proud, the village of Magheralin – where he emanates from – proud, and indeed this borough.
“I think it would be very fitting that a plaque was erected in South Lake Leisure Centre in relation to his achievements, and it would help to motivate other young people, hopefully across the world.”
Cllr Keith Haughian (SF, Lurgan DEA) said: “Our party group are more than happy to support this. He’s also an ex-student at St. Patrick’s in Armagh, which I went to myself.
“My question would be, is there a policy around this? Because my fear would be, not that we’re overrun with Olympic champions necessarily, but could we put something in place to make sure we don’t ever miss out on somebody who achieves something of the highest standard, so they could be recognised?”
Cllr Peter Lavery (Alliance, Lurgan DEA) said he had fond recollections of seeing Daniel win one of his Olympic medals: “On behalf of the Alliance Party, we’ll be supporting this motion. Daniel has done the village proud, the borough proud, and most of all his family proud, given all his hard work and dedication.
“I had the privilege to be down in Byrnes Bar [in Magheralin] when Daniel was going for the second medal. He ended up winning the bronze and the cráic was mighty – I’m surprised that they didn’t hear us in Paris. There were that many people cheering on.
“So, I think the motion is very much appropriate, and particularly the sign at South Lake Leisure Centre. It’s almost a tribute as well to [ABC] Council, because no matter whether you’re learning to swim or whether you’re going for gold, South Lake Leisure Centre can certainly help you along the way, along with all our very good staff there.
“Congratulations to Daniel and his family, and I look forward to seeing this in Magheralin and South Lake Leisure Centre.”
Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon (SDLP, Armagh DEA) commented: “First of all, I want to agree with the sentiments of the motion, and I’m happy to support.
“But what I would also note is the measure of the young fellow. The prize money that came with it, he donated it to his college in St. Patrick’s in Armagh. That was invested in gym equipment in the school, and to me that tells me more about that young lad than any gold medals or anything that he has around his neck.
“So, more than happy to support and congratulate him, and I thank him for his contribution to sport across this island.”
Cllr Kyle Savage (UUP, Lagan River DEA), who lives close to Magheralin, said: “Our party will be supporting this. It’s great to see [such] a fantastic achievement for Daniel and for the village of Magheralin.
“I’m just about a mile and a half up the road from it. I was part of the welcoming home party for Daniel that night in Magheralin, and it’s great to see the community from all backgrounds coming out and supporting Daniel and his family.”
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter