Paddy Power Releases

PADDY POWER PRESS RELEASE

OLYMPIC TORCH IS DUBLIN BOUND!   

(16 November 2011) Paddy Power have shortened the odds on the Olympic flame passing through Dublin next year to 2/5 from Even money after London 2012 Games chairman Sebastian Coe came out in support of bringing the flame down south.

Coe is now thought to be in advance talks with the UK and Irish Governments as well as the Olympic Association about taking a detour through Dublin ahead of the London Games next June.   

8,000 torchbearers will be selected to carry the flame at various different stages throughout the 8,000 mile journey and already speculation has begun as to what great names will be given the honour should the torch come to town.

Paddy Power have made World Champion boxer and Olympic hopeful Katie Taylor their 4/9 favourite followed by former World Champion and three-time Olympian Eamon Coghlan at 4/7. Sonia O’Sullivan, Michael Carruth and Kenny Egan all make the list of possible Irish torch bearers.

Paddy Power are also betting on who will light the flame at the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games. Five-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Steve Redgrave is the 8/13 favourite followed by fellow gold medalist Dame Kelly Holmes at 4/1 and seventeen year old diving sensation Tom Daley at 8/1.

Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “It’s great news that Sebastian Coe is supporting the idea of the flame coming to Dublin. This year we’ve had the Queen and Obama – a visit from the flame next year ahead of a fantastic Olympic Games would really boost Irish spirits and we’re not short of talented torch bearers either!”

Will the Olympic Flame come to Dublin?
2/5    Yes        (from Even money)
7/4    No        (from 8/11)

Who will carry the Olympic torch in Ireland?
  4/9     Katie Taylor
  4/7     Eamon Coghlan
  2/1     John Treacy
  2/1     Sonia O'Sullivan
  3/1     Ciara Mageen
  4/1     Michael Carruth
  4/1     Derval O'Rourke
  5/1     Kenny Egan
  6/1     Ronnie Delaney
  6/1     Cathrina McKiernan
  8/1    Brian O’Driscoll
 10/1     Paddy Barnes
 20/1     Paul O'Connell
 50/1     Wayne McCullough
 80/1     Mickey Harte
 80/1     Padraig Harrington
100/1     Henry Shefflin
100/1     DJ Carey
100/1     Graeme McDowell
100/1     Rory McIlroy
100/1     Eoin Kelly
500/1     Michelle Smith

Who will light the flame at the London Olympics opening ceremony?  
8/13    Steve Redgrave
 4/1     Kelly Holmes
 8/1     Tom Daley
10/1     David Beckham
12/1     Daley Thompson
16/1     Chris Hoy
33/1     Any member of the British Royal Family
1000/1 Paddy Power


Ends  

For further Paddy Power betting or information please contact:
Sharon McHugh - +353 87 922 4143 / +353 1488 1716 / smchugh@paddypower.com