BY CHRIS McNULTY in Raphoe

THIS particular segment of Chloe Magee's ground-breaking journey concluded in the exact spot where it had all began. The Raphoe Badminton Hall is a modest building, tucked neatly away in a pocket of the town's Diamond. For Donegal's latest Olympian, this is home. For this down to earth, determined and focused young woman, home really is where the heart is.

Speaking to the Donegal News, as she gazed out at the throngs of people who had turned out simply to say 'well done' to one of their own, Chloe could scarcely believe that she was back in the very building in which her dreams had been nurtured.

"It feels absolutely unbelievable," she excitedly smiled. "I didn't know that any of this was happening at all, so to come back and see all these people is unreal. It is a brilliant night and it's so great to see all these people out here.

"To me, this is my club and it is somewhere special. It means a lot to have people come into my hall to see me. It might not be something massive, but it means a lot to me.

"I can't put it into words," she adds before valiantly attempting it anyhow, "...It's been unreal...Very, very good."

Chloe's plan initially had been to remain in Beijing until nearer the end of the month, but having done all there is to do, she opted to come home early - forcing sister Naomi into a frenzy as she pieced together every last piece of the homecoming jigsaw.

Malcolm Thompson, the Captain of the Raphoe Badminton Club, acted as MC for the event. "Chloe done us proud as she graced the greatest sporting event, the Olympic Games," Thompson told the gathering in his opening address. "We are absolutely delighted that she participated, that she succeeded and now we are delighted that she is back home with us in Raphoe.

"Everyone in the Club here has played an integral part of her success."

Listening to those in the know from the badminton world, as the crowds took up their spots in anticipation of Chloe's arrival, it was clear that her talent had been evident from a very young age. It was a point touched on by Alan Macbeth, who spoke on behalf of the Donegal Badminton Board, as he reckoned she had shown promise 'since she came out of nappies really.' He added: "What Chloe has done in the last year or two is nothing short of miraculous. It is unbelievable what she has done for badminton in Donegal."

Speaking for the people of the town, Conor Porter from the Raphoe Community in Action Project said that Chloe's achievement had brought a great sense of togetherness to the area. "Our thoughts, hopes and prayers were all with you in Beijing," he told the Olympian. "You cannot underestimate the effort and feel good factor that is generated by people like Chloe Magee."

Pat The Cope Gallagher informed us that Wednesday night's function will be among the 'top few' when he writes his memoirs. "It is a special occasion to be here, to be able to welcome, in person, a young girl who has done us proud," he said. "I was thinking on Chloe's arrival at The Diamond the of the opening ceremony on the 8th of the 8th 2008, it was something really special. I was wondering if the Bird's Nest would be able to hold the crowd that is here tonight!

"The arrival of Chloe in her home town as a spectacle is, in relative terms, up there with the opening ceremony in Beijing."

"Our Champion is back home," exclaimed Deputy Dinny McGinley, who said it was 'right and proper' that the welcome home party was held in the Hall that had nurtured her talent. "It must be the aim and objective of every athlete to be selected to represent his or her country in the Olympic Games. It is a great credit to this young girl that she has achieved that," he added.

County Mayor Gerry Crawford predicted that he will find it hard to surpass the event for the remainder of his term with the Chain. He praised the ambition and drive shown by Chloe, as well as commenting on the fine example she has set for the young people of the area. "People are here with one motive and one motive only - to pay tribute to Chloe," he commented. "When you watch the Olympics on TV, you get a sense of pride seeing your country represented, but when you see the country represented by someone from your own area you feel that even more so. We were all so proud Chloe, thank you!,"

Speaking to the Donegal News after the formalities had been completed, Chloe reflected briefly on her fantastic Olympic experience. ""Beijing was everything that the Olympics was meant to be and more," she noted. "It was a great experience. The Olympic Village was just the best ever, the facilities were absolutely unbelievable. Everything was brilliant, the atmosphere and the lot."

And what about the immediate plans? "I'm back home now for a wee while and I'll just see what happens from there."

She begins now a four-year plan that has the ultimate aim of another homecoming complete with an Olympic medal to adorn the already decorated Badminton haven that is the Magee household.

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