Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has congratulated Northern Irish athletes on winning a total of 18 medals at this years Commonwealth Games.

The athletes won 7 gold, 7 silver and 4 bronze – their best ever Commonwealth Games performance - as well as clocking up personal bests and setting new records.

Minister Hargey said: "As the Commonwealth Games draw to a close I would like to pay tribute to all the local athletes who took part - and to their coaches, clubs and the sporting groups who support them.

"During my visit to the Games last weekend I was able to see first-hand the skill, passion, determination and commitment that carried these dedicated sports people to their goals.

"Congratulations to all those who won medals; secured personal bests; set new records and provided us all with amazing sporting displays.

"Their participation and performances will have a wider impact - from grassroots to elite level - by inspiring others to get involved and encouraging all those who already take part."

The Minister had travelled to Birmingham at the start of the Games where she met some of the athletes competing in events including boxing, lawn bowls, judo and gymnastics, and was poolside when Barry McClements picked up the first medal for Team NI.