A sign on display at Gráinne Walsh's former primary school, Ballinamere NS, Tullamore.

Olympic excitement builds as Offaly pupils get behind Gráinne

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Gráinne Walsh's journey to the Olympic Games has been years in the making, but now the moment when she steps through the ropes in Paris is almost here.

The 28-year-old Tullamore boxer will be in action this weekend, facing Hungary's Anna Luca Hamori in a bout that's due to get underway at around 4.20pm, Irish time, on Sunday.

As she prepared to depart for Paris, Gráinne received numerous good luck messages, and support for her was also displayed at local schools, including her own former primary school, Ballinamere NS.

A sign outside Ballinamere NS went on display recently, highlighting the school's backing for "our Olympic hero".

Gráinne is a past pupil of Ballinamere NS and Killina Presentation Secondary School.

Children attending summer camp in St Mary's Youth Centre in Tullamore also showed their support by making some colourful art posters for the occasion, as can be seen here:

A poster in support of Gráinne Walsh which was made recently by a summer camp participant at St Mary's Youth Centre, Tullamore.
A poster by a summer camp participant at St Mary's Youth Centre, urging Gráinne to 'bring home the gold'.
Another good luck poster for the Tullamore woman.

Killeigh Community Pre-School also got into the Olympic spirit, with a window display in the green, white and gold, which wished Gráinne the best of luck.

A window display at Killeigh Community Preschool.

Yesterday, Gráinne was among a group of Team Ireland athletes who met with Taoiseach Simon Harris during his visit to Paris:

Taoiseach Simon Harris pictured in Paris yesterday with Team Ireland athletes, including Gráinne Walsh (back row, wearing sunglasses).

The opening ceremony for the Games, which will involve Shane Lowry as one of the two Irish flag-bearers, takes place this evening (Friday).

Adrian Cusack
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