Legends of sport join celebration of connections between Britain and Ireland

BRITAIN and Ireland's many sporting connections have been celebrated in London.

Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall hosted a reception at the Irish Embassy where guests heard from an impressive line-up of Irish sporting stars past and present.

These included former world featherweight boxing champion Barry McGuigan, the captain of the Ireland women's rugby team Niamh Briggs and former Arsenal and Republic of Ireland footballer David O'Leary.

Also taking part were former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan, Sunderland Ladies and the Republic of Ireland footballer Stephanie Roche, the Chairman of Ireland's Rugby World Cup 2023 bid Dick Spring, Cricket Ireland chairman Ross McCollum, Irish Paralympic cyclist Katie-George Dunlevy and Mark Gottsche from the London Gaelic football team.

Back LtoR: Mark Gottsche, Ross McCollum, Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall, Eamonn Holmes, Stephanie Roche and Dick Spring. Front LtoR: Niamh Briggs, Barry McGuigan, Maggie Doyle, Katie-George Dunlevy and David O'Leary

Ogie Moran, the eight-time All-Ireland winning Kerry football legend and Tony Galvin the former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland footballer were also present.

TV presenter Eamonn Holmes and broadcaster and journalist Maggie Doyle were MCs on the night.