Offaly athlete given flagbearer honour at European Youth Olympics

Offaly athlete Cian Crampton has been chosen as one of Team Ireland's two flagbearers for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Maribor, Slovenia.

Tyrone cyclist Aliyah Rafferty (15) from the Island Wheelers club has been selected as the other flagbearer for Ireland.

A member of Edenderry AC, discus thrower Crampton is competing in his second EYOF. Crampton finished in 5 fifth place last year and will be aiming to go higher this year.

Crampton threw a national under-18 record of 56.90m in May this year, and he will be hoping to hold onto that form going into this competition.

Commenting on his selection as flagbearer, Cian said: "As soon as I heard the news about being chosen as flagbearer for the EYOF, I was ecstatic to receive the honour of waving the flag and leading Team Ireland out on Sunday; it will be a moment I will never forget."

The EYOF is the biggest multi-sport event for young athletes between the ages of 14 and 17, will see approximately 3,600 competitors compete across 11 sports

Olympic Federation of Ireland Chef de Mission for the EYOF, Nancy Chillingworth has thanked Team Ireland's sponsors Permanent TSB and their other partners for their support.

Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications with Permanent TSB, Leontia Fannin said: “As proud title sponsor of Team Ireland, we are extremely honoured to support these young athletes on their sporting journey and to witness what determination and resilience can achieve.

“It is an incredible achievement to have been chosen to represent Team Ireland and we look forward to supporting Aliyah, Cian and all of Team Ireland as they compete in Maribor in the coming weeks.”

Team Ireland departs for Maribor tomorrow (Saturday), July 22, with the opening ceremony on July 23 and competition starting on July 24.