Sports
Proud moment for Limerick as Destiny Lawal flies the Ireland flag at the European Youth Olympic Festival
Destiny Lawal (Athletics) and Shea Mathers (Swimming) flew the flag for Ireland in the Opening Ceremony in Skopje 2025
Dooneen AC sprinter, Destiny Lawal had the honour of flying the flag for Ireland at the opening ceremony of the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival
Leading out Team Ireland at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), Destiny Lawal of Dooneen Athletics Club joined swimmer Shea Mathers flying the flag for Ireland in the opening ceremony.
Lawal and Mathers led Team Ireland in the Opening Ceremony of the Games, which took place on Sunday, July 20.
The athletes were selected during the official Team Day, where Allianz Ireland’s Chief Financial Officer, Samantha Kearney, took part in the announcement by randomly selecting one male and one female athlete for the honour.
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Allianz Ireland is the title sponsor of Team Ireland, supporting the Olympic Federation of Ireland on the road to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games and through to the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
Speaking at the Team Day, Kearney said, “This is a milestone event for these young athletes, which means it’s also a big occasion for Allianz as title sponsor of Team Ireland. We are committed to supporting sporting excellence and hope to help inspire the next generation of Irish athletes through our sponsorships and ‘Stop the Drop’ campaign.”
The Limerick-based sptiner, Destiny was excited and proud to fly the flag, she said, “I’m very happy and excited, and very grateful to be chosen. It makes me feel really proud because I know a lot of people don’t get an opportunity to do this.”
Team Ireland is represented by 35 athletes competing across eight sports at the EYOF, which is Europe’s largest multi-sport event for athletes aged 14 to 17. Held every two years, the EYOF offers young athletes the chance to experience a high-level international competition that mirrors the Olympic Games.
This year’s edition will feature over 4,000 athletes from 48 countries across Europe. The EYOF plays a significant role in athlete development, providing invaluable experience in a multi-sport environment and laying the foundation for future Olympic participation.
Team Ireland Chef de Mission, Gavin Noble, said, “The EYOF is a special event in the development of any young athlete. It gives them a first experience of competing on a major international stage, surrounded by other sports and nations, all within an Olympic-style environment.
“Being selected as a flagbearer is a significant honour, and it’s a moment that Shea and Destiny will remember for a long time. We are incredibly proud to have them lead Team Ireland into the Games, and very grateful to our Sponsors Allianz for all their support.”
With the games underway, it wasn’t to be for Destiny on day one as she suffered a DSQ in the heats after a 0.95 reaction time to a false start but with the experience of competitive international athletics, the Limerick runner will be optimistic for the future.
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