Olympic torch touches down in Ireland

The Special Olympic torch was set to arrive on Irish shores today after an epic trek across Europe.

With anticipation over the games that open in Dublin next week reaching fever pitch, the Flame of Hope carried by law enforcement officers and athletes was due to come ashore at Bangor, Co Down.

More than 7,000 athletes from 160 delegations are taking part in the Special Olympics, which is being held outside the United States for the first time.

World Games Organising Committee chairman Denis O’Brien said: “This event is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to become involved in something that will change lives, and positively position Northern Ireland and the island as a whole on the world stage.”

The torch was lit in Athens on June 4 and carried across Europe by officers including members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the gardaí.

It will be taken to Parliament Buildings, Stormont near east Belfast before being carried to other venues on either side of the Irish border.

Finally the flame will be taken into Croke Park, Dublin for the opening ceremony on June 21.

A Derry teenager has been burning with pride today ever since he was chosen to light the flame in the stadium.

Ten-pin bowler David McCauley, 16, was selected from hundreds of competing athletes to get the games in under way.