Team Ireland expects as Paris prepares to put on a show

And so Paris, for the third time, will host the Summer Olympic Games.

It's 100 years since the city last welcomed the athletes of the world, including, for the first time, a team from Ireland. Indeed a film was made about two British athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, who competed at the 1924 Games. Their determination to succeed, albeit for different reasons, found much expression in the Oscar-winning 'Chariots of Fire', with Vangelis' electronic theme tune providing a stirring soundtrack.

The father of the modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, was born in Paris. His philosophy on what the Games should embody has been well documented: "The important thing is not to win, but to take part; the important thing in life is not triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well".

The action has already begun in the French capital, where over 10,714 athletes from 206 countries will compete across 32 sports, encompassing 329 medal events.

And compete in front of crowds, a marked contrast to Tokyo three summers ago, when the world was still grappling with Covid-19. For Ireland, it's very much a 'home' Games, similar to London 2012. Those representing Team Ireland will be well supported: parents, siblings, significant others, and close friends will provide much vocal support from the stands and terraces.

This evening will see an opening ceremony like no other. For the first time it will not take place in a stadium. Dozens of boats will instead carry thousands of athletes and performers on a 6km floating parade on the Seine. Organisers have promised a show that will be daring and joyful.

This moving show will pass the Notre-Dame Cathedral and arrive near the Eiffel Tower,