Medal success for McClenaghan, Montgomery and Hickey at the Antalya World Cup

Gymnastics Ireland's men's artistic finalists finish on the podium at the Antalya World Cup 2026.

Eamon Montgomery started apparatus finals today for team Ireland on the floor exercise and performed a beautiful routine executed to precision. Montgomery, who qualified fifth, took home the silver medal scoring a 13.833.
Rhys McClenaghan took to the pommel horse performing first in the final, after qualifying third on Thursday. He scored a 13.900 and held his first place position throughout the final.
Teammate James Hickey, who qualified in 6th position, scored a 13.566 for a third place podium finish behind teammate McClenaghan.

An amazing feat for all the lads to finish their finals on the podium.

McClenaghan on his performance:

"Very proud to take Gold out here in Antalya and even more proud to contribute to Ireland’s most successful World Cup, along with Eamon’s Floor Silver and sharing the podium with James, taking home bronze on Pommel."

Montgomery on his performance:

"Happy to do my best routine of this code In a final. Lots to improve on still, some difficulty to add but I’m happy with today. And happy to make history again and be a part of 3 medals for Ireland."

Hickey on his performance:

"I'm absolutely delighted to win my first World Cup medal. To do it on St Patrick’s weekend makes it even more special and something I’m really proud of. The last few months haven’t been easy, so it’s important for me to recognize the challenges we’ve come through and the work that’s gone in behind the scenes to get back out on the horse, competing at this level. I know I've still work to do but it's time to pause and reflect.
I’m incredibly grateful for the support around me — the coaches, teammates and staff who have helped me climb those mountains along the way. A big thank you to everyone at Phoenix Gymnastics Club, Gymnastics Ireland and Sport Ireland for their continued belief and support. Thank you to Wayne Healy, Sergey Sizhanov and also Scott Shearon for everything. This medal means a lot, and it gives me great motivation for what’s ahead."

Olympic Coach Luke Carson commented:

"An excellent start to competition season. Ireland showing new depth with promise. This Olympic cycle will be very exciting."

Commenting on their performances, Performance Director, Sally Johnson said:

"It’s been a really strong day for the Irish men’s team in Antalya. Eamon Montgomery’s silver medal on floor is a real statement result — finishing on the podium ahead of an Olympic silver medalist (Tokyo) at this level the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup competition shows exactly the standard he is capable of delivering.

Chester Enriquez continues to build valuable senior World Cup experience on floor, and that exposure at this stage of his career will be hugely important for his development.

On pommel horse it was a fantastic result for Ireland, with Rhys McClenaghan taking gold and James Hickey securing bronze. Rhys continues to progress strongly through his return to competition — the routine is developing well and the momentum is clearly building again. For James, this being his third senior World Cup and reaching the podium is a fantastic achievement.

Oisin O'Connell on high bar and Daniel Fox on rings rounded out a strong squad effort, alongside Chester on floor. All three athletes showed selection scoring with potential capable of reaching finals and came very close — which is extremely encouraging at this stage of their senior World Cup journeys.

With six athletes competing on the World Cup stage, medals on the board and valuable ranking points gained, it’s been a very positive day for the program and a strong reflection of the progress being made across the team.

A special well done to all the team involved in supporting the gymnasts and the program, coaches, judges, Sport Ireland & Sport NI, and families"

Commenting on the performance CEO of Gymnastics Ireland Mr. Ciaran Gallagher said:

"Superb results from the guys in Turkey - Rhys back at the top of the podium, a well deserved return to the medals for Eamon after a long road back to competition and a well deserved podium finish for James as one of the youngest gymnasts in the field! It’s been a superb return to the circuit for our guys and it’s also important to note the performances of Dan on Rings, Oisin on High-Bar and Chester on Floor, all of whom demonstrated clearly that they are final potential gymnasts. Huge congratulations also to coaches Luke, Sergey, Wayne & Conor!"

Well done to all gymnasts, judges, and coaches for some outstanding results.

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