Team Ireland won 11 medals, including four golds, at day three of the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, bringing the country’s medal haul to 15 so far.

Gymnast Kirsty Devlin from Belfast won Ireland’s first gold , one of nine medals secured by the gymnasts. The 21-year-old was competing in the Rope competition in Gymnastics Rhythmic Level 1 in Collins Court Wooden Centre in UCLA

Devlin took a total of four medals: two gold, two silver and a fourth place ribbon in various sections of the gymnastics rhythmic level 1 competition.

Her mother, Elizabeth, said she was thrilled with her daughter’s efforts: “I’m absolutely so proud — the tears were in my eyes, watching Kirsty. She’s just amazing... She’ll be a celebrity when she gets home”

Gymnast Aoife O’Sullivan from Cork city also clinched one gold and two bronze medals, as well as two place ribbons.

There was further success in gymnastics for Limerick city athlete Ashleigh O’Hagan who won two bronze medals and three place ribbons.

Westmeath man Peter Malynn (57) also won a gold medal in the singles bocce competition, which is a ball sport similar to bowls. The final score in his match was 9-7.

There was further success for the Team Ireland Bowling team, with a bronze in the doubles event for Martina Walsh from Castlebar, Co Mayo, and Ruth Geerah from Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Team Ireland’s current medal tally (end day three) is 15 medals: Four Gold, Three Silver and Eight Bronze.

On Sunday, Seán Coleman (22) was the pick of the Irish swimmers at the University of Southern California, picking up a silver medal in the 25m backstroke, while Dubliner Gary McEnroe (20) won bronze in the 25m backstroke.

“Winning a gold or any medal for your country at a world games is a tremendous achievement and I want to congratulate all the athletes on their success so far,” he said. “The 88 Irish athletes have put so much work in and I want to wish them all the best for the rest of the games.”