The Olympic Flame makes it's final jouney throught Belfast down Chichester Street to the Belfast City Hall
06.06.12. PICTURE BY DAVID FITZGERALDThe Olympic Flame makes it's final jouney throught Belfast down Chichester Street to the Belfast City Hall. A concert was held at the City Hall with General Fiasco performing. The Junior Ulster Choir performing
06.06.12. PICTURE BY DAVID FITZGERALDThe Olympic Flame makes it's final jouney throught Belfast down Chichester Street to the Belfast City Hall. A concert was held at the City Hall with General Fiasco performing. Laura McCann a teacher in St. Dominics carrying the torch
06.06.12. PICTURE BY DAVID FITZGERALDThe Olympic Flame makes it's final jouney throught Belfast down Chichester Street to the Belfast City Hall. A concert was held at the City Hall with General Fiasco performing.
06.06.12. PICTURE BY DAVID FITZGERALDThe Olympic Flame makes it's final jouney throught Belfast down Chichester Street to the Belfast City Hall. A concert was held at the City Hall with General Fiasco performing. Laura McCann a teacher in St. Dominics carrying the torch
06.06.12. PICTURE BY DAVID FITZGERALDThe Olympic Flame makes it's final jouney throught Belfast down Chichester Street to the Belfast City Hall. A concert was held at the City Hall with General Fiasco performing.
Olympic Gold Medal Winner Dame Mary Peters pictured with olympic torch bearear Dempsey Andrew from Newtownards, Belfast Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson & Tv presenter Zoe Salmon at the Belfast City hall during the lighting of the olympic torch. Picture JOHN MURPHY AURORA PHOTOGRAPHIC AGENCY.
The Olympic Torch Pictured at Belfast City Hall 6th June 2012. PICTURE JOHN MURPHY AURORA PHOYOGRAPHIC AGENCY.
Olympic Gold Medal Winner Dame Mary Peters pictured with Una Roberts from North Belfast at the Belfast City hall during the lighting of the olympic torch. Picture JOHN MURPHY AURORA PHOTOGRAPHIC AGENCY.
Handout photo issued by LOCOG of Mary Peters carrying the Olympic flame on the Torch Relay leg in Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 6, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Torch. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/LOCOG/PA Wire
LOCOG handout photo of Torchbearer 098 Ryan Cinnamond lights the Beacon with the Olympic Flame at the end of day 18 of the Olympic Torch Relay. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 5, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Torch. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Handout photo issued by LOCOG of Laura McCann carrying the Olympic flame on the Torch Relay leg in Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 6, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Torch. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/LOCOG/PA Wire
Handout photo issued by LOCOG of Colin Murray carrying the Olympic flame on the Torch Relay leg in Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 6, 2012. See PA story OLYMPICS Torch. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/LOCOG/PA Wire
Colin Murray (centre) celebrates carrying the Olympic Flame with fellow Northern Irish Torchbearers (left - right) Leonard Totton, Clare Scullion, Danielle Hill, Matthew Shields on behalf of Samsung, Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 6, 2012. Samsung - a presenting partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. Samsung is inviting everyone to participate in the spirit of the Olympic Games with the Samsung Hope Relay. To take part, download the app or search 'Samsung Hope Relay.' Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Colin Murray celebrates carrying the Olympic Flame with fellow Northern Irish Torchbearers on behalf of Samsung - a presenting partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, Belfast. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 6, 2012. Samsung - a presenting partner of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. Samsung is inviting everyone to participate in the spirit of the Olympic Games with the Samsung Hope Relay. To take part, download the app or search 'Samsung Hope Relay.' Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Dempsey Andrews from Dundonald pictured with the Olympic Torch at Belfast City Hall as Belfast Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson and Tv presenter Zoe Salmon look on
Laura McCann Lights the Olympic Torch at Belfast City Hall as Belfat Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson & Tv presenter Zoe Salmon look on. Pic By Paul Moane/Aurora PA
Laura McCann Lights the Olympic Torch at Belfast City Hall as Belfast Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson & Tv presenter Zoe Salmon look on. Pic By Paul Moane/Aurora PA
Dublin Footballer Bernsrd Brogan carrying the Olympic Torch to the Samuel Beckett bridge during the Torch Relay in Dublin yesterday.Pic Tom Burke 6/5/12
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeCulture Minister Carv°l Nv? Chuilv?n watches on as the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÄôs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeCulture Minister Carv°l Nv? Chuilv?n watches on as the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÄôs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeCulture Minister Carv°l Nv? Chuilv?n watches on as the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÄôs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeLaura McCann makes her way to the stage to light the Olympic Cauldron at the Belfast City Hall. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÕs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeThe stage show at Belfast City Hall where the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÕs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeCulture Minister Carv°l Nv? Chuilv?n watches on as the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÄôs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeBelfast City Hall where the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÕs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeThe stage show at Belfast City Hall where the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÕs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Presseye Northern Ireland - 05th June 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/PresseyeCulture Minister Carv°l Nv? Chuilv?n watches on as the Olympic Cauldron is lit in Belfast by Laura McCann. The flame travelled to Dublin earlier in the day, before returning to the north and passing through Newry, Lisburn and finally Belfast en route to the celebration concert at the City Hall. Laura, 28, is a PE teacher at St DominicÄôs in Belfast and was selected for her dedication to the job.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny (left) and greets Olympic Flame carriers Ronnie Delaney and Bridget Taylor outside Government Buildings in Dublin city centre on Day 19 of the Olympic Torch relay. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 6, 2012. Photo credit should read: Julien Behal/PA Wire
Torchbearer 037 and jockey Ruby Walsh carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Dublin
Olympic gold medal winning boxer Michael Carruth, right, waits to receive the flame from Olympic silver medal winner Wayne McCullough
Jedward - John and Edward Grimes - carry the Olympic Flame in Dublin city centre
John (left) and Edward Grimes aka Jedward holding the Olympic Flame before they complete their Torch Relay leg through Dublin
Jedward - John and Edward Grimes - carry the Olympic Flame in Dublin city centre
Olympic gold medal winning boxer Michael Carruth, right, receives the flame from silver medal winner Wayne McCullough on the Irish border
John and Edward (Jedward) Grimes carry the Olympic Flame past the GPO on O'Connell St in Dublin city centre on Day 19 of the Olympic Torch relay
Olympic gold medal winning boxer Michael Carruth, right, waits to receive the flame from Olympic silver medal winner Wayne McCullough
John (L) and Edward Grimes, aka Jedward, carry the Olympic Flame on day 19 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on June 6, 2012 in Dublin, Ireland
Olympic medalist John Treacy carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Dublin
Jockey Ruby Walsh carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Dublin
Former Olympian Ronnie Delany carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Dublin
Sonia O'Sullivan posing for a photograph with torchbearers 007 John (left) and Edward Grimes aka Jedward after the lighting of the cauldron at St Stephen's Green in Dublin
John (left) and Edward Grimes aka Jedward making a speech on stage after the lighting of the cauldron at St Stephen's Green in Dublin
John (left) and Edward Grimes aka Jedward holding the Olympic Flame before they complete their Torch Relay leg through Dublin
John (left) and Edward Grimes aka Jedward carry the Olympic Torch on the relay leg through Dublin
John (left) and Edward Grimes aka Jedward carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Dublin
John (left) and Edward Grimes aka Jedward carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Dublin
Seamus Reynolds, coach at the Bann Rowing Club in Coleraine, with the torch
Torchbearer Denis Broderick passing the Olympic flame to Clare Leahy on the Carrick-a-Rede bridge
Torchbearers on the River Bann in Coleraine
Lee Hamill passes the flame to Jean Jones at Dunluce Castle
Meabh Fisher and Isobel Coote on the Derry Peace Bridge
Darrel Harpur (12), from Strabane, brought the torch to St Columb's Park and lit the Olympic cauldron
The Olympic torch is forced to be re-routed following a stand-off and scuffle during a protest which blocked the route of the tourch run beside the Peace Bridge
Dissident Republicans tussle with police officers near the Peace Bridge in Derry City, forcing the rerouting of the Olympic Flame over the bridge
The Olympic torch is forced to be re-routed following a stand-off and scuffle during a protest which blocked the route of the tourch run beside the Peace Bridge
The Olympic torch is forced to be re-routed following a stand-off and scuffle during a protest which blocked the route of the tourch run beside the Peace Bridge
The Olympic torch is carried onto the famous landmark of the Giant's Causeway outside the village of Bushmills, Co.Antrim by carrier Peter Jack
The Olympic torch is carried onto the famous landmark of the Giant's Causeway outside the village of Bushmills, Co.Antrim by carrier Peter Jack
Torch bearer Geraldine McCann from Lurgan is pictured arriving at Stormont
The Olympic torch is carried across the famous landmark of the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge outside the village of Ballintoy, Co.Antrim by carrier Denis Broderick
The Olympic torch relay from Larne to Portrush
The Olympic torch is now on day 16 of a 70-day relay involving 8,000 torchbearers covering 8,000 miles
The Olympic torch relay from Larne to Portrush
The Olympic torch relay from Larne to Portrush
Kathleen Irvine (left) passes Lisa Hickson the Olympic Flame outside of Carrickfergus Castle on the Torch Relay leg through Carrickfergus
Walter Carswell carrying the Olympic torch through Stormont
Victoria Walsh carrying the Olympic flame during the torch relay leg between Dervock and Portrush
Gabrielle Cardwell carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg between Ballygalley and Glenariff
Walter Carswell carrying the Olympic flame on the Torch Relay leg through Stormont
Michael Rea carries the Olympic Flame at Belfast Zoo on the Torch Relay leg between Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus
People of Castlereagh line the streets to cheer on 14-year-old Brooke Andrews as she carries the Olympic torch through Dundonald
The Olympic Flame is welcomed to Northern Ireland at the George Best City Airport in Belfast on the first day of a five day relay
The Olympic Flame is welcomed to Northern Ireland at the George Best City Airport in Belfast on the first day of a five day relay
Dempsey Andrews carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg between Newtownards and Stormont
Carolynn McCord carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg between Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus
Brendan Duddy carrying the Olympic flame during the Torch Relay leg between Dervock and Portrush
Stewart Duguid carrying the Olympic flame during the Torch Relay leg between Dervock and Portrush
Louise Lyons lighting the cauldron after the Torch Relay leg between Dervock and Portrush
Louise Lyons (13) carries the Olympic torch
Louise Lyons on the Olympic Torch Relay from Larne to Portrush
Press Eye - Belfast Northern Ireland - Sunday 3rd June 2012 - London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Sports Minister Carl N Chuiln welcomes the Olympic Torch to Parliament Buildings this morning as part of the all-Ireland Torch Relay at Titanic Belfast this morning.Torch bearer John McAlpine from Newtownabbey leaves Stormont.Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Sports Minister Carl N Chuiln welcomes the Olympic torch to Parliament Buildings as part of the relay
Sports Minister Carl N Chuiln welcomes the Olympic torch to Parliament Buildings this morning as part of the relay
By Michael McHugh
– 07 June 2012
One of Northern Ireland's Olympic greats ran in the closing stages of the Belfast relay and dedicated it to her old coach.
Dame Mary Peters, 72, who lives on the outskirts of Belfast, ran, jumped and threw her way into the record books to win gold in the pentathlon - setting a world record points total during the 1972 Munich Games.
Her success was one of few bright spots during a year when the Troubles and conflict were at their worst and the prodigious talent had to brave dangerous streets to go to training.
Her coach Buster McShane, from East Belfast, died six months after she won gold.
She said: "It was emotional for me. I have happy memories of the hard work he put me through.
"I felt as if I was running down the roads he walked through and paying tribute to him."
Dame Mary is still involved with sport through the Mary Peters Trust, which helps young people in Northern Ireland achieve excellence in their fields. She also has a ceremonial role welcoming prominent visitors including members of the Royal Family to the city.
She praised the hundreds who came to Belfast City Hall for the evening celebration.
She said: "It was amazing, the warmth from the crowd, the flame just burst a bubble of warmth through Royal Avenue and here in the city hall."
She said she hoped the many children in the audience who saw the flaming cauldron being lit on stage would want to pursue sport when they grow up.
She added that it was a chance for the people of Northern Ireland to get the feeling of what the Olympics was all about.
"Bringing the youth of the world together in peace and harmony," she said.
The cauldron was lit by final runner Laura McCann, 28, a PE teacher at St Dominic's school in West Belfast.
She said: "It was amazing, there will never be anything that I will do that will be as big a day.
"It means everything and shows me how much I need to keep motivated and continue to motivate."
Belfast's lord mayor Gavin Robinson said people were enthralled by the relay, adding that he admired the hope, inspiration and aspiration he had seen.
He said: "I am delighted that people from right across Belfast have had the opportunity to take part and be a torchbearer... and everyone who has lined the road.
"People have been incredibly energised by the torch and the forthcoming Games.
"I hope it is going to continue. If the Games play their part in energising people to get involved in sport and get active, then that will be a legacy that lives on in Belfast."
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