Griffin to lead Irish at opening ceremony

Just 24 hours after celebrating his 27th birthday, three-day eventer Niall Griffin will lead the Irish Olympic team in Friday's eagerly-awaited opening ceremony for the 2004 Games.

Griffin will carry the flag in front of the equestrian team, who have been chosen by the Olympic Council of Ireland to head the Irish procession.

The eventing team of Griffin, a son of former Wexford senior hurling manager Liam Griffin, Edmond Gibney, Susan Shortt, Sasha Harrison and Mark Kyle go into action at the Markopoulo centre on Sunday, with inspections and declarations on Saturday.

Griffin played minor hurling for his county, has been riding his mount Lorgaine since 1999 and always blesses himself before getting up on a horse. He finished 33rd at last year's European championships.

Meanwhile, the Irish delegation have welcomed Limerick middleweight Andy Lee to the Olympic village. Swimmers Emma Robinson and Michael Williamson and road cyclists Mark Scanlon and Ciarán Power have also arrived today from training camps in Cyprus.