LAST UPDATE | 26 Jul

TEAM IRELAND’S ATHLETES have sailed down the River Seine in Paris for this evening’s opening ceremony at the Olympics.

Hurdler Sarah Lavin and golfer Shane Lowry took their roles as Ireland’s Olympic flag-bearers.

They fronted the Irish representation as competitors paraded not through a stadium, but down the Seine in boats.

All Irish athletes have their county crests embroidered into their Olympic uniforms.

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the Irish athletes in a statement, saying that “everyone in the country will be firmly behind each and every one of our athletes” as they aim to perform.

“As President of Ireland, may I extend my very best wishes to all those Olympians who will represent our country with such distinction over the course of the XXXIII Olympiad now underway in Paris,” Higgins said.

“Competing at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of a sporting career and represents four years of dedicated work and preparation by our athletes.

This year’s Olympics has a special significance for Ireland, as it marks the centenary of our first appearance at the Olympics as an independent nation in the same city. That was at the 1924 Paris Olympics.”

He added: “This will hopefully add to the 11 Gold Medals, 10 Silver Medals and 14 Bronze Medals which athletes representing Ireland have won since 1924.

“May I wish each of them, their coaches, support team and all of their families and friends the very best of luck over what promises to be a very exciting two weeks for Irish sport.”

Among the 10,500 strong athletes hailing from from 184 countries was Siobhán Haughey, a flag bearer for Hong Kong.

Siobhán is also the grand niece of the former Taoiseach Charles Haughey – her role in tonight’s parade was noted by relations in Dublin including TD Seán Haughey below.

Siobhán Haughey - flag bearer for Hong Kong ⁦@Olympics⁩ ⁦@RTEsport⁩ pic.twitter.com/ks2UyKT9LX

— Seán Haughey (@sean_haughey) July 26, 2024

The celebrations were met with heavy rain with performers, including pianist Alexandre Kantorow, braving heavy showers during their performances.

A total of 85 boats carried the team delegations on a four-mile journey through the centre of Paris, with more than 300,000 spectators lining the banks of the river.