Proud homecoming for Commonwealth medal heroes

Bowler Barbara Cameron and boxer Steven Donnelly each claimed bronze medals in Glasgow - an outstanding return from only five Ballymena competitors in the Northern Ireland squad.

Barbara, a veteran of five Commonwealth Games, had already intimated her intention to step down from international bowls and winning her first medal, with Mandy Cunningham in the pairs, means she is likely to go out on a high.

“Before I came away I had made my mind up that after 75 home international caps that this was going to be a good time to bow out. I might change my mind but that’s the decision I came to before we came here and now I have the medal.”

Donnelly, who won bronze in the welterweight category, will now take some time to reflect on his next career move, weighing up whether to pursue his long-cherished dream of turning professional or whether to remain in the amateur game and focus upon possible qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

“Who knows what the next move will be but one way or another, it’s only the beginning, I’m proud of what I achieved and the last couple of weeks have been an amazing experience. The support I received was incredible,” added Steven.

Ballymena Borough Council is expected to host a civic reception for the two medallists in the coming weeks.