Torch's progress: A sub-aqua exercise with a difference took place yesterday when the Special Olympics torch was brought seven miles across the sea from St John's Point in Co Donegal to Mullaghmore, Co Sligo.
As part of the Special Olympics extravaganza around the country, a large gathering of divers from clubs right around the State, including the Donegal Sub-Aqua club, assembled at St John's Point, a noted diving area.
Gardaí Derek Gallagher and Liam Geraghty, who have helped carry the torch since Athens, snorkelled out with the lighting torch and other divers to one of 12 waiting boats including the RNLI rescue boat.
The flotilla made its way across the water as the rescue helicopter from Finner Army Camp flew overhead. The divers, back in the water once more, snorkelled the remainder of the way to the harbour at Mullaghmore where a huge crowd gathered to welcome them into Sligo.
Once on dry land the torch was handed over to Garda Eddie Finucane and Special Olympics athlete Dale Jones.
The torch run is going along four different routes around the State.
Yesterday, the athletes and supporters at Mullaghmore travelled in a cavalcade to meet up with the group as they travelled through Donegal. They then lined up to run into Sligo town where some 3,000 people turned up to greet and cheer them and 'the teams from Gibraltar which Sligo is hosting, and Gambia, which is being hosted by Manorhamilton.
Such is the interest and turnout that there have been unplanned stops along the way. On Saturday on the way to Letterkenny "we had to stop at a petrol pump in Bridgend because there were so many people. It's been amazing", said Garda Gallagher.
The Chief Constable of the PSNI, Mr Hugh Orde, swapped boots for trainers on Saturday and helped carry the Special Olympic Flame of Hope through Derry. The local politician Mr John Hume also met the runners.
Mr Orde, an accomplished marathon runner and fitness enthusiast, fulfilled the promise to run that he made in Bangor last week when he received the Olympic flame alongside the Deputy Commissioner of the Garda, Mr Peter Fitzgerald.
The Argentinian athletes, along with coaches and other support staff, are staying in Derry and arrived early this week.
Team USA is sending more than 1,300 competitors plus mentors who will be hosted in Belfast. They are expected to arrive today.