It will be a sign of his achievement, as Olympic gold-winning swimming star Daniel Wiffen’s name is to be visible for all to see when approaching his home village of Magheralin.
ABC Council has unanimously backed a notice of motion for a twofold honour to be bestowed upon the former student of St Patrick’s Grammar School in Armagh.
The young Magheralin man will now have his name added to signage marking the boundary of the village, with the words: ‘Home of Olympic Gold Medallist Daniel Wiffen’.
A plaque will also be erected at South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon, where he trains when at home.
It would, said the notice of motion sponsor, DUP Councillor Peter Haire, serve as a “lasting tribute that will inspire young swimmers for years to come”.
Bringing his motion to November’s monthly ABC Council meeting, he said: “The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area continuously punches above its weight in sport, producing champions across many disciplines. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, several athletes shone, but one achievement stands above the rest.
“Daniel Wiffen, from Magheralin, made history by winning the Men’s 800m Freestyle, becoming the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an individual Olympic gold since 1972. He joins the ranks of icons like Dame Mary Peters.
“At just 23 years old, Daniel’s achievements are already remarkable. In addition to his Olympic gold, he earned a bronze in the 1,500m Freestyle — is a two-time world champion, a three-time European short course champion — and was named BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year in December 2024.”
Describing his Paris triumph as an “historic achievement”, Councillor Haire said an update of signage at Magheralin — a proposal which Daniel himself and his parents “fully supported” — would be “in recognition of his contribution to local, national and international sport”.
“With a population of just over 2,000, Magheralin is proud of Daniel,” said the DUP representative, who pointed to other council areas — such as the home authority of golfer Rory McIlroy in Ards and North Down — that have “taken similar steps to honour world-class athletes”.
Urging support for his motion, Councillor Haire hailed Daniel’s “exceptional talent, the pride he brings to Magheralin and the inspiration he provides across our borough and beyond”.
Lord Mayor Stephen Moutray said he was “delighted” to second the motion.
He added: “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 be erected in South Lake Leisure Centre in relation to his achievements. It would help to motivate other young people across the borough.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Keith Haughian said his party group was “more than happy” to support the motion.
Looking ahead, he asked: “Is there a policy around this? My fear would be — not that we are 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, and ensure they can be recognised?”
Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery said he had the privilege of being in a local bar when Daniel won his bronze, adding:
“The craic was mighty. I’m surprised they didn’t hear us in Paris — there were that many people cheering him on.”
He described the motion as “very much appropriate”, particularly the leisure centre plaque.
“It’s almost a tribute as well, in part, to council, because no matter whether you’re learning to swim or going for gold, South Lake Leisure Centre can certainly help you along the way, with all our very good staff there,” added Councillor Lavery. “Congratulations to Daniel and his family and I look forward to seeing this in Magheralin and South Lake Leisure Centre.”
SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon also backed the motion and said he noted the “measure of the young fellow”, who had donated his Olympic prize fund to St Patrick’s Grammar in Armagh, which the school invested in gym equipment for its students.
“To me, that tells me more about that young lad than any gold medals or anything he has around his neck,” said Councillor O’Hanlon, who offered his congratulations to Daniel and thanked him “for his contribution to sport across this island”.
Ulster Unionist Councillor Kyle Savage said his party would also be supporting the motion.
“It’s great to see — a fantastic achievement for Daniel and for Magheralin,” said Councillor Savage, who recalled being at the welcome-home party for Daniel after his Paris gold- and bronze-winning displays.
“It’s great to see the community, from all backgrounds, coming out and supporting Daniel and his family,” he added, with the motion then being formally passed.
