Olympic Torch to shine in Howth

GREAT excitement is guaranteed in Howth next summer
when the Olympic Torch travels through the village on its journey to London for
the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The torch will travel through Northern Ireland between
June 3 and 7, and will arrive in Dublin on the morning of June 6.

It will be carried through Dublin city by torchbearers
and there will be a major event in the city centre to celebrate the visit.

Pat Hickey, President of the Olympic Council of
Ireland, which has its headquarters in Howth, said:

“Further details of the
crossing point, the route around Dublin and the full event programme will be
confirmed next year.

“It will be a major event for all of us in Irish sport
and a great occasion for Dublin and Ireland.

?

Howth Sutton and Baldoyle Chamber of Commerce welcomed
the announcement.

Chamber President Paul Brady said they were thrilled
that the Olympic Torch is coming to Howth.

“Howth, Sutton and Baldoyle is a sporting locality
with soccer, rugby, GAA, sailing, running and walking all represented,

? Mr
Brady told Northside People.

“It is great to welcome this celebration of sport but
it is not just about us.

“We have some fantastic cafes, pubs, restaurants and
hotels and we invite people to come to Howth the night before the torch arrives
and stay for the party.

“We are extremely grateful to Pat Hickey and the
Olympic Council of Ireland who were instrumental in bringing the torch to
Howth.

?

Taoiseach Enda Kenny described the news as

“fantastic

?
and said it will put Ireland centre stage in the immediate run-in to the
games.

“This brings even closer to home the spirit of the
Olympic Games which is being hosted by our near neighbours in London next
year,

? he stated.

“I would like to thank Pat Hickey and the Olympic
Council of Ireland for their efforts in ensuring the Olympic Torch visited
these shores.

“I met with members of the London 2012 Organising
Committee earlier this year and I’m delighted that they have decided to include
Ireland in their torch ceremony.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Andrew Montague, said it
was a great honour for Dublin to welcome the Olympic Torch.

“We are grateful to the International Olympic
Committee for their decision and we look forward to being part of the Olympic
experience in 2012,

? he stated.

“I and Dublin City Council look forward to working
closely with the Olympic Council of Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Irish
Government in organising this historic day for Dublin and Ireland when we will
showcase Dublin to the world.

?

Dublin North East TD Terence Flanagan (FG) said:

“This
will give everyone in Dublin North East and those living in Dublin a prime
opportunity next June to come out and see the Olympic flame up close.

?