Ireland's Paralympic team - and their 11 medals - return home to a hero's welcome

Ireland finished 28th on the medal table, two places inside their top-30 target.

IRELAND’S PARALYMPIC HEROES have returned home after a magnificent 11 days in Rio which exceeded expectations.

The 48-strong squad, which brought home 11 medals from Brazil, were met by friends, family and media in Dublin Airport this afternoon.

Jason Smyth defended his title as the fastest Paralympian on the planet while Michael McKillop, Eoghan Clifford, and cycling duo Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal took Ireland’s gold medal total to four.

Dunlevy and McCrystal also brought home one of four silvers as did Colin Lynch, Orla Barry and Niamh McCarthy.

And Clifford, swimmer Ellen Keane and 16-year-old Noelle Lenihan each claimed bronze to ensure that Ireland finished 28th on the medal table, two places inside their top-30 target.

Jason Smyth with wife Elise and daughter Evie

Jason Smyth with his wife and daughter Elise and Evie James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Michael McKillop and Smyth check out the gold

Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Colin Lynch is welcomed home by his partner Sue Moss

Colin Lynch with his partner Sue Moss James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Eoghan Clifford shows off his gold to wife Magdalena and daughter Zofia

Eoghan Clifford with his family Zofia and Magdalena Clifford James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Orla Barry and Niamh McCarthy pose for photos

Orla Barry and Niamh McCarthy James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Niamh McCarthy with parents Flor and Caroline

Niamh McCarthy with her parents Flor and Caroline McCarthy James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Noelle Lenihan with her family

Thrower Noelle Lenihan with her family James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Lenihan with her niece Kendall Ming

Noelle Lenihan with her niece Kendall Ming James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Ellen Keane poses for photos with her family

Ellen Keane with her family James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Ellen Keane with her father Eddie James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal with their families

Katie-George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal with family James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

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