Olympics: Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry selected as Ireland's flagbearers for closing ceremony

Michael Bolton

Ireland's Olympic medallists in the swimming pool Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry have been selected as the flagbearers for the closing ceremony on Sunday.

23-year-old Wiffen won gold in the 800-metre freestyle, and won bronze in the 1,500m freestyle in Paris.  While Mona McSharry won bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke.

Wiffen spoke about the honour: “I’m so happy, I think it’s a great privilege to hold the flag, and I’m going to hold it high around the stadium and I really can’t wait; it’s a dream come true for me.”

Sligo’s McSharry, who won the first medal of these Games for Team Ireland said: “I was so shocked when they selected me among so many amazing athletes who competed at the Games. I am so excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity to be one of the Flagbearers for Ireland. This is a great way to close out an incredible Olympic Games.”

The closing ceremony of these Games will take place in the 80,000-seater Stade de France beginning at 8pm Irish time on Sunday.

The colours of the tricolour feature in the green jacket they will wear that was inspired by the tracksuit top Sonia O’Sullivan wore when receiving her medal in Sydney 2000.