City of Light poised to welcome Irish Paralympic team

In a city rich in regal splendour, Place de la Concorde holds a special place.

The biggest square in Paris - it's actually an octagon but let’s not get too pedantic - will be the epicentre of formalities for the opening ceremony of the Paralympics.

It was here, when the French tolerated their noble masters, that Royalty was feted and honoured. Adieu to the heady days of Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour.

This time, as the opening ceremony begins, the crowds will be hailing the Paralympians - who embody the triumph of the human spirit, taking their place at the centre of another global sporting spectacular.

Team Ireland’s flag bearers are sprinter Orla Comerford and table tennis player Colin Judge.

The two Dubliners will lead an Irish team that rightly has big ambitions for the days ahead.

Swimmers Róisín Ní Ríain, Ellen Keane and Nicole Turner along with tandem cyclist Katie George Dunleavy are all genuine medal contenders. Ireland secured seven medals in Tokyo - four gold and two silver and one bronze.

The aim is for more of the same this time around in the French capital.

"Huge expectations," said Paralympics Ireland CEO Stephen McNamara.

"We definitely got a bump after the Olympic games and the excitement has been building over the last number of weeks."

The proximity of Paris could provide a big boost to Irish goals.

"The lovely thing about Paris is that it does feel like a home games," he said.

Paris has invested over €125 million to make the city more accessible. The investment is part of the game’s legacy in the French capital. It’s been widely reported that ticket sales for the various events in Stade De France, Porte de la Chapelle arena and Roland Garros stadium have been brisk.

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