Offaly's Shane Lowry to carry Ireland flag at opening ceremony of Paris Olympics

Offaly man and golfer Shane Lowry will carry the Irish flag at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris on Friday evening.

The Clara man and Major winner has described it as "a huge honour" and he will be joined at the head of the 133-strong Ireland contingent by 100m hurdler Sarah Lavin.

"It's a huge honour for me and my family," Shane said ahead of the ceremony.

"Anybody who knows me knows how patriotic I am and how much I love Ireland and how much I love playing for my country. I always wear the Irish flag with pride and to get to do something like this is something I'll remember forever."

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Limerick native Lavin said: "It's surreal and the greatest honour I've ever been given.

"I'm so grateful to those who have trusted me and put me in this position. It's emotional as well. There are a lot of people you are representing.

"I'm deeply touched and just so excited to get out there."

The event will take place along a stretch of the River Seine in Paris and will see the teams of all competing countries parade in front of huge crowds and TV viewers.

Irish viewers will be able to watch the opening ceremony on RTE 2 television from 6pm.