IRELAND’S FLAG BEARER for the Olympic opening ceremony is due to be announced later this afternoon with boxers Katie Taylor and Paddy Barnes thought to be among the front-runners for the honour.
The final decision is expected to rest with the team’s Chef de Mission Sonia O’Sullivan, who carried the tricolour herself at the 2000 Games in Sydney.
Pat O’Callaghan, Ronnie Delany and Wayne McCullough are among those who have also performed the ceremonial role in the past, while sailor Ciara Peelo was given the honour of leading the Irish team around Beijing’s Olympic Stadium four years ago.
Who should it be this time around? Should it be Taylor, undoubtedly the golden girl and brightest medal prospect of the Irish squad, or Barnes who will be desperate to go one better than his Beijing bronze?
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Or would you like to see someone else proudly carry the green, white and orange in London? Let us know in the comments below.
It depends if Katie Taylor wants to do it ……if she is asked.
I seem to recall that Sonia O Sullivan was asked to do it in 1996 in Atlanta, but she turned it down as it was too exhausting for her that near her races. ( She was highly criticized I seem to remember ).
Lots of athletes don’t go to the opening ceremony, as it gets in the way of their final preparations and is too tiring to be standing around for hours.
if Katie Taylor’s support crew don’t think it would be good for her I hope we can respect that…..if she is asked.
Katie Taylor, she’s already earned her worth by winning 3 World titles, plus it’s a special occassion with women’s boxing being introduced to the Olympics for the first time.
John Joe Nevin (Boxer) as he was deprived of a civil reception in Mullingar by the town council – for whatever reasons!?!
‘When’ he returns with a medal it would be sweet to see him adopt the Boxing club where he trains in Cavan rather than forgetful pups in MTC who’ll no doubt jump on the bandwagon!
Yet in the same week Mullingar town council try to claim Bruce Springsteen from 4 generations ago – Strange fish in a Sullen town!
No argument with Katie Taylor carrying it, although it would be nice to give another athlete a moment in the spotlight as Katie will no doubt (fingers,toes & knees crossed) get hers.
Barnes as the only medallist on the team. No real need to pour more pressure on Taylor. She can carry flag at the closing ceremoney (as O’Sullivan did in 2000)
Behan is action on Saturday morning so I think he’s unlikely to want to jeopardise that
Katie Taylor or Kieran Behan they both achieved so much to get to the Olympics & both fully deserve to lead the Irish teams into the opening ceremony on Friday
Me, I’m available and will be heading to my 4th games.
I’d imagine the decision regarding Katie is sorted, Pete, her father and coach has decided if it would upset their preparations and has passed on his decision.
after Katie, I’d go with Derval O Rourke, a great ambassador for Irish sport
Kenneth Egan should carry the torch,him or Katie taylor as they are the two shining examples of our olympic potential(i know Ken didnt qualify but he was ROBBED of a gold last time out!!)
Joanna mills,for all her efforts,and farce surrounding the selection.
I agree with the choice of Katie Taylor,what a women!!
She is obviously the best female boxer out there simply because she is still a stunner!!
Best of luck to all the athletes in London!!
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Katie Taylor. No doubt in my mind.
I hope Katie Taylor gets it BUT , if the decision makers are the same people who gave jedward the Olympic torch- I’m not so sure what will happen.
It depends if Katie Taylor wants to do it ……if she is asked.
I seem to recall that Sonia O Sullivan was asked to do it in 1996 in Atlanta, but she turned it down as it was too exhausting for her that near her races. ( She was highly criticized I seem to remember ).
Lots of athletes don’t go to the opening ceremony, as it gets in the way of their final preparations and is too tiring to be standing around for hours.
if Katie Taylor’s support crew don’t think it would be good for her I hope we can respect that…..if she is asked.
Katie Taylor, she’s already earned her worth by winning 3 World titles, plus it’s a special occassion with women’s boxing being introduced to the Olympics for the first time.
4 times!lol!
I stand corrected, cheers Aimee!
I think you’ll find it’s green, white and orange
Loving the fact that there are still those thick enough to not accept this – 37 readers of your comment are at least thick enough
38 now… Haha, whoever doesn’t think it’s orange obviously hasn’t a clue!
I’m betting Donegal NE….. you know – the only constituency to put Martin McGuinness as #1 for the presidency….
Cue red thumbs……
Whoever does carry it, John Terry will be behind them for the photos anyway.
Katie Taylor or Keiran Behan!
John Joe Nevin (Boxer) as he was deprived of a civil reception in Mullingar by the town council – for whatever reasons!?!
‘When’ he returns with a medal it would be sweet to see him adopt the Boxing club where he trains in Cavan rather than forgetful pups in MTC who’ll no doubt jump on the bandwagon!
Yet in the same week Mullingar town council try to claim Bruce Springsteen from 4 generations ago – Strange fish in a Sullen town!
Katie Taylor no question about it
The father of the late Darren Sutherland…bronze medalist in Beijing.
Why the thumbs down here? Surprised, pls explain.
It has to be an Olympic athlete I think
Don’t let the red thumbs get to you.
Ignore them.
No argument with Katie Taylor carrying it, although it would be nice to give another athlete a moment in the spotlight as Katie will no doubt (fingers,toes & knees crossed) get hers.
Liam Neeson..end of story.
i dont know who you are…………
Daley Thompson
Cian O’ Connor ha sorry couldn’t resist,agree It has to be Katie Taylor!!! Cian O’ Connor shouln’t even be allowed behind a tricolour
Katie Taylor
Barnes as the only medallist on the team. No real need to pour more pressure on Taylor. She can carry flag at the closing ceremoney (as O’Sullivan did in 2000)
Behan is action on Saturday morning so I think he’s unlikely to want to jeopardise that
How about Michelle De Brun, she won loads of medals , didnt she?
Definitely Katie Taylor!
me.
Either Katie Taylor or the Gymnist
Billy Walsh, the boxing team coach!
Katie Taylor or dervla o rourke two great Irish athletes toss a coin to see which come on the irish
francie barrat yer only man
Katie Taylor or Kieran Behan they both achieved so much to get to the Olympics & both fully deserve to lead the Irish teams into the opening ceremony on Friday
Katie Taylor
James Nolan’s parent(s); the lad who died in Poznan
youre gettin a thumbs down for that photo
Any of our politicians, after all they have the next 8 weeks off & I’m sure most of them will be in London free loading…
Mick Wallace in a fetching Pink number…
Joanna Mills
Bosco…This one… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AmKnXdUYCQ
I like that one…… hilarious!
Me, I’m available and will be heading to my 4th games.
I’d imagine the decision regarding Katie is sorted, Pete, her father and coach has decided if it would upset their preparations and has passed on his decision.
after Katie, I’d go with Derval O Rourke, a great ambassador for Irish sport
Trap
Katie Taylor.
Gotta be Katie
Katie Taylor
Daley Thompson….
Katie Taylor without a doubt she is the most deserving of the honor of carrying the tri colour
Can’t have Mick W. The pink would clash horribly with the orange (or gold?). But Katie’s got anyway. Great!
Mary, he could wear pink top, green kaks & white socks…
Kenneth Egan should carry the torch,him or Katie taylor as they are the two shining examples of our olympic potential(i know Ken didnt qualify but he was ROBBED of a gold last time out!!)
How about an Olympic veteran like Eoin Rheinisch?
I thought Jedward would be first in line
Joanna mills,for all her efforts,and farce surrounding the selection.
I agree with the choice of Katie Taylor,what a women!!
She is obviously the best female boxer out there simply because she is still a stunner!!
Best of luck to all the athletes in London!!