Olympic flame departs for Asia

THE Special Olympics flame left Ireland in a final blaze of glory last night as a spectacular closing ceremony in Croke Park marked the end of two frenetic weeks of sport, fun and festivities.

A brilliant light show brought the party to a close as the 75,000 athletes, volunteers and supporters, equipped with florescent glow sticks lit up an arena packed with emotion and unquenchable memories.

After a celebration concert featuring chart toppers Westlife, Blue, Liberty X and Busted, the Special Olympic torch was formally handed over to Japan, hosts of the World Winter Games 2005 and China which will stage the next Summer Games in 2007.