Paralympics get off to spectacular start

The opening ceremony of the 12th Paralympic Games took place this evening at the Athens Olympic stadium, with the 41-strong Ireland team gearing themselves up for a busy first weekend.

The torch relay, run by over 700 torch bearers, ended at tea-time, signalling the opening ceremony to begin an hour later.

Irish athletes will compete across eight sports throughout the 10-day event.

Gary Messett from Bray, Co. Wicklow was the Irish flag bearer, and the 17-year-old is eagerly awaiting Ireland's opening seven-a-side football fixture on Sunday.

"I can't wait for the competition to start - I'm really looking forward to it," said the midfielder. "Carrying the flag will be a proud moment for me. I just want to get stuck in now."

The Paul Cassin-coached Irish face a tough start, meeting reigning Paralympic and World champions Ukraine. The game kicks-off at 8am Irish time, and will be played at the Olympic hockey centre.

"I hope the athletes can perform to their optimum," said Chef de Mission Jim McBride earlier today.

"They all have expectations of themselves and whether they meet them or not, it will be a great experience for everyone involved."

The Agios Kosmas sailing centre will be the first port of call tomorrow morning for Ireland's growing band of supporters.

Cork Sonar sailor John Twomey, carded World Class 2 by the Sports Council, gets his campaign under way in his three-person keelboat, whilst Sutton, Co Dublin native Fergal Kinsella also begins the first of his 9 races in the 2.4mR Open class.