PADDY BARNES HAS been chosen to carry the Irish flag at the opening ceremony of this summer’s Olympics.
Today marks 100 days to the Rio games.
“I’m over the moon,” the two-time Olympic medalist told The42 at the Olympic Council of Ireland’s decision announcement.
“It’s a great honour to be put on me and I’m just over the moon. I’m really, really grateful.
It’s not very often people carry the flag at the Games. I’ve won the medals and carrying the flag for me, leading your country at the biggest sporting event in the world, it’s just great.
“It’s just as big as winning a medal.”
With 66 athletes already qualified for the Games, Barnes will be amongst Team Ireland’s most-experienced representatives.
The light-flyweight won bronze in Beijing eight years ago and another bronze in London last time out.
