McCandless Commends Coleraine BID for Organising Hannah Scott’s Homecoming Event

The streets of Coleraine were filled with pride and celebration as thousands gathered to welcome home Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott last week, the first Northern Irish woman to achieve this feat in 52 years. The event, organised by Coleraine Business Improvement District, brought the community together in a moment of shared joy and admiration for their hometown hero.

Former Councillor William McCandless, reflecting on the event, expressed his appreciation for the efforts behind the celebration. "After being enlightened over the weekend that the homecoming event for Hannah Scott was organised by Coleraine BID and Bann Rowing Club, supported by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, I wish to congratulate them for this. Like many others, I mistakenly assumed it had been a Council-organised event."

He continued, "Along with thousands of others, I was there to welcome this young lady, the first woman from Northern Ireland to win Olympic gold in 52 years, back to her hometown, to which she has brought such a prestigious sporting accolade. All gathered there were rightly proud of her."

Hannah's achievement is more than just a personal victory; it is a testament to the strength of Coleraine's rowing community. McCandless recalled the inspiration drawn from the 2012 Olympics, where Richard and Peter Chambers won silver in the lightweight fours, and Alan Campbell secured bronze in the single sculls. "It was so encouraging to hear that these three young men were the motivating inspiration for Hannah (then a 12-year-old) to train to be an Olympic champion."

He emphasised the broader impact of Hannah’s success: "Hannah has once again demonstrated that coming from a small town in Northern Ireland is no handicap to achieving success. Her mantra, 'Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,' is uplifting for a person of any generation, but I certainly hope her hard work and effort will be inspiring for young people, not only in Bann Rowing Club but in other sporting clubs in the area, to give of their best."

Reflecting on Bann Rowing Club's history of punching above its weight, McCandless shared his pride in having proposed the Freedom of the Borough for Coleraine's 2012 Olympic medallists. As the town continues to celebrate Hannah Scott's remarkable achievement, he eagerly anticipates the honour the council will bestow upon her for bringing such pride to Coleraine.

Causeway Coast & Glens Council organised a private event in the town hall after the main event.