Gary O’Donovan selected as Team Ireland’s flag bearer for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony
20 August 2016 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) has named Gary O’Donovan, Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist in men’s lightweight double sculls, as its flag bearer to lead Team Ireland’s delegation into the Olympic Stadium during Sunday’s Closing Ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium.
On his Olympic debut, Gary O’Donovan, together with his brother Paul O’Donovan, won Ireland’s first-ever Olympic medal in rowing, sealing silver in the lightweight men’s double sculls.
“It’s an honour to be selected as the flag bearer and to lead Team Ireland out at the Closing Ceremony in Rio’s iconic Maracanã Stadium”, said O’Donovan.
“I am extremely proud to carry the flag on behalf of my country, the Olympic Council of Ireland, Irish Rowing and of course Skibbereen Rowing Club.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would like to say a huge thank you to Rio 2016 for their warm hospitality during such an amazing Olympic Games.”
