Smooth ride hopes for Olympic torch

Irish Olympic officials are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure a smooth and controversy-free procession for the Olympic torch when it makes its historic appearance in Ireland this summer.

The Irish Olympic Council has been inundated with requests to take part but only 40 people will get the opportunity south of the border.

Eighteen of those places will be filled through nominations made by the relay’s official sponsors — Coca-Cola, Samsung, and Lloyds Bank — and an official announcement is expected early next month.