Concerns for athletes highlighted after Olympics opening ceremony as rain lashes down
Paris staged a fantastic ceremony to mark the start of the 2024 Games
Bernard Dunne highlighted how the wet weather during Friday's Olympics opening ceremony could have a knock-on effect for athletes who attended the event.
Paris staged a fantastic ceremony to mark the start of the 2024 Games, with boats carrying athletes up the River Seine over a couple of hours.
Despite rain lashing down for much of the ceremony, the wet conditions couldn't dampen the spirits of the athletes or the spectators in attendance.
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However, Dunne told how some coaches might be concerned about athletes being wet for a long period of time so shortly before competing.
He said on RTE's coverage of the opening ceremony: "Everyone looks like they're having a fantastic time, but I'd say there's some people sitting in the Olympic village looking at that and saying 'oh why did you go?' Because they're going to be soaked to the bone.
"Somebody could get up in the morning with some sniffles and you don't want any sort of sickness at this stage, but an opening ceremony of an Olympic Games is something special for any athlete to go to so you can't discourage them from going, it's their decision to go.
"I see Daina Moorehouse there, I know she's not out I think until the 1st (of August). She has a couple of days to get past this, regardless of whatever happens this evening.
"We were listening earlier on, like they're there since 4 o'clock, it's after 9 o'clock now so they're over five hours there now at this stage which is a long time for any athlete that's in full-time training."
Shane Lowry and Sarah Lavin were Ireland's flagbearers for Friday's opening ceremony in the French capital, with both of them telling of their huge pride in carrying the tricolour.
Lowry, who finished sixth at The Open last weekend, said: “It’s a huge honour for me and my family.
“Anybody who knows me knows how patriotic I am, 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.”
Limerick hurdler Lavin added: “It’s surreal to be honest. The greatest honour I’ve ever been given. To carry the country’s flag, it’s just something you can’t prepare for.
“I’m so grateful for those who’ve trusted me and put me in this position. It’s emotional as well.
“There’s no point lying about that because, you know, there’s a lot of people you’re representing and be on the biggest sporting stage.
“It’s a testament, I guess, to all the hard work and how much you’ve dug deep, not just in the last 12 months but the entire Olympic cycle and in your entire career.
“I’m deeply touched and just so excited to get out there.”
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