Ruairi Sweeney, from Fermoy Cork, who was selected to represent Ireland as a flag bearer at UEFA EURO 2016TM in France. (Picture: Colm Mahady / Fennells)

The whole nation had been waiting with bated breath for Monday night’s Euro 2016 match where Ireland came up against Sweden, but for 14-year-old Ruairi Sweeney Cronin from Fermoy, the match was a dream come true as he got to carry the Irish flag onto the pitch in Stade de France.

Ruairi was one of four lucky young people selected to represent Ireland as a flag bearer at the first Ireland match in a competition run by Coca Cola and Spar.

Ruairi and his mother Annette, were flown to Paris where they were treated to overnight accommodation and Ruairi received a welcome pack of clothing and accessories, while Annette also got a great ticket to the match to witness the proud moment first hand.

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