Team Ireland return from the Special Olympics today, bringing with them 86 medals, including 26 gold.

The team of 88 athletes competed in the major sporting event in LA from July 25 until August 2. They won a total of 26 gold, 29 silver and 31 bronze medals.

On the final day alone, they won six gold, five silver and five bronze. Medals were won across a wide range of sports including basketball, athletics, badminton and football.

The team also achieved 31 personal bests and 43 placement ribbons.

Commenting on their achievements, the Minister for Primary Care, Social Care and Disability, Kathleen Lynch, said that Team Ireland ‘did their country proud'.

"All team members and their coaches can feel incredibly proud of their achievements. I also want to congratulate all the volunteers - over 200 of them - who were with Team Ireland all the way. Together, they displayed truly Olympian qualities," she said.