THE SPECIAL Olympics Torch blazed a trail in the newly built Limerick Tunnel yesterday when five athletes carried the flame through the 675m-long passage.
It was the first time that non-construction personnel were allowed go through the tunnel which is not due to open until later this summer.
The Flame of Hope was carried across Ireland by members of the PSNI and Garda Síochána for the past six days on its way to Thomond Park. The Special Olympic’s flame was carried beneath the river ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2010 games, which takes place at Thomond Park tonight.
Some 22,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony, which will open with The Cranberries first Irish performance in 10 years.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run was one of the most high-profile events organised by Special Olympics Ireland around games time. It involved local members of both police services carrying the torch as it made its way through their districts.
Speaking at the event Matt English, chief executive of Special Olympics Ireland, said it was an honour to have the flame visit the Limerick Tunnel.
“We are the first group of people to run through the tunnel and we are so grateful for this historic opportunity. It is another significant milestone ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games,” he said.
Tom King of the Limerick Tunnel said he was delighted to welcome the flame to Limerick yesterday.
“The 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games will be a wonderful occasion and we are so proud to play a part in welcoming the athletes to Limerick,” he said.
The games will run from today until Sunday.
This will be one of the biggest sporting events to take place in Ireland this year with more than 1,900 athletes participating in 14 sports during the games.