DUBLIN EVENT:A HOMECOMING reception for Ireland's Olympic athletes will be held at the Mansion House in Dublin at lunchtime tomorrow.
As of yesterday evening, however, Dublin City Council said it did not know which athletes would be attending or who would be master of ceremonies. The athletes will be welcomed at the Mansion House by Lord Mayor Naoise Ó Muirí and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring. They will be presented on a stage erected across Dawson Street for the occasion at 1pm.
While the format of the event has yet to be finalised, it is expected that they will be interviewed on stage by a master of ceremonies, who is expected to be from RTÉ. There will also be “some light entertainment,” the city council said, although no acts have been confirmed. Footage from Ireland’s participation in the Games will be shown on a big screen. The lord mayor will bring the event to a close at 2pm, the council said. “The council is planning a lively and exciting public event,” a spokesman said.
Dawson Street will be closed to traffic from 6am to 5pm. Entry to the event will be via Nassau Street and St Stephen’s Green North only. The council is advising those wishing to attend to arrive early to avoid disappointment and secure a good vantage point.
It is not yet known how the athletes will arrive at the event, but the council has confirmed they will not be travelling to the Mansion House on an open-top bus.
