Netball captain to lead Team NI at Commonwealth Games

The Northern Ireland team will be led out at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast by netball captain Caroline O’Hanlon.

The 33-year-old, who also competed in Glasgow four years ago, has been selected as flag bearer after having been a member of the national netball team since 2002.

O’Hanlon has helped Northern Ireland rise from 21st in the world to the top eight.

The Larkfield and Manchester Thunder centre also doubles as a three-time All Star in Gaelic football - balancing her busy sporting career with her work as a doctor.

“It’s a great honour to be named as Team NI’s flag bearer for the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” she said.

“It is a real privilege and I look forward to leading the team into the Carrara Stadium for tomorrow evening’s ceremony to join with some of the world’s leading athletes in a celebration of sport.

“The next couple of weeks will see some great competition and I look forward to a successful Games for Team NI.”

Northern Ireland’s netball schedule opens with a game against hosts Australia on Thursday.