Kennedy key role to play in Rugby Sevens in Paris

THE Olympic Federation of Ireland officially selected the Men’s and Women’s Rugby Sevens teams who will compete at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.

Among the locals in the squad is St Mary’s College clubman Terry Kennedy who also played in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

A former Ireland U20 international, the 25-year-old is best known for his lightning footwork and speed and is one of the most dangerous playmakers on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit.

His father Terry is a former Ireland international. Kennedy’s experience will be vital to Ireland as he was also named the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2022.

In Paris, the Rugby Sevens events will be held in the Stade de France and are amongst the first competitions at the Paris Olympics.

The men’s events run from August 24-27, and the women’s events from July 28-30. David Nucifora, Rugby Sevens Performance Director said: “It is a landmark and proud day for us to confirm our Men’s and Women’s Sevens squads to represent Team Ireland at Paris 2024.

“A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes for the last number of years for us to reach this milestone, and it is testament to the dedication, talent and resilience of the players and staff in the Ireland Sevens programme – past and present – that we now have the privileged opportunity to be part of Team Ireland for Paris.

“The selected players have worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity, and while it is a proud and hugely exciting moment for them and their families, we must also acknowledge the members of wider Ireland Sevens squads who have missed out on selection through injury or today received disappointing news.

“They will continue to play an integral role in our preparation for Paris in the weeks ahead.

“The squads will be determined to perform well and represent their country with pride and distinction at the biggest sporting event in the world, and we hope the achievements of our players will help inspire the nation this summer and continue to put the Ireland Sevens programme on the sporting map.”

This brings to twenty-eight the official number of athletes who have so far been selected to represent Team Ireland at Paris 2024, a Games that will see us celebrate our centenary competing as a nation at the Olympic Games.

The team announcements for each sport will follow over the coming weeks, with the final team announcement scheduled for the beginning of July.

The Olympic Games in Paris will run from the 24th July to the 11th August 2024, with the Opening Ceremony taking place on the 26th July.