Locals defy the rain as Lisburn welcomes Olympic Flame

Olympic fever took over the city as the flame travelled from the Hillsborough Road to Bow Street, Market Square, Castle Street, Seymour Street, Queen’s Road and then to Lagan Valley Island, where excited local school children were eagerly waiting to see the Torch.

In a once in a lifetime opportunity, nine torchbearers proudly held the torch aloft through the cities streets, as cheering locals looked on.

Around 500 people braved atrocious rain to welcome the flame to the Civic Centre, where Lisburn Mayor William Leathem and Olympic gold medallist hockey player Jimmy Kirkwood accepted the torch on behalf of the city, as Lisburn girl Evie Dornan proudly handed over the flame.

Wallace High School pupil Evie said: “It was absolutely amazing, I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

The Torch cavalcade stopped briefly at Lagan Valley Island for a break, before departing again via Gregg Street, as it went along Mercer Street, Sloan Street, Young Street, Hillsborough Old Road and the Ravernet Road as it made its way to Belfast.

See this week’s Ulster Star for full coverage of the Olympic Torch Relay across Lisburn.