Ireland and other teams across the world were welcomed to the Olympics yesterday with a trip on the Seine followed by a spectacular opening ceremony.

Athletes from each Irish county are representing the country at the 33rd Olympiad, with the exception of Leitrim.

The team began the competition yesterday with a welcome ceremony on the Seine, riding a boat down the river in front of thousands.

31/32 counties representing @TeamIreland at the Games - proud of that stat.

Each athlete will have their own specially designed county crest embroidered on their ceremony wear to represent community

We must set up a talent ID programme in our missing county :) pic.twitter.com/rhX7sosz3L

— gavin noble OLY (@gavontwitt) July 22, 2024

Ireland's team moves down the Seine River in Paris, France, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, Pool)

Some eams were transported along the River Seine on boats, with Andy Murray joining flag bearers Helen Glover and Tom Daley in the British delegation.

Ireland's accommodation in the Olympic Village. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

The full ceremony got underway last night, featuring music from Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, along with French rock band Gojira.

Lady Gaga performing at the Olympics opening ceremony. Image: dpa picture alliance / Alamy Stock Photo

The search is also on for the arsonists who targeted the high-speed rail network in France, ahead of the Olympics.

It forced one in four Eurostar trains to be cancelled this weekend in what authorities say was a "coordinated sabotage".

French official François-Joseph Schichan said 800,000 people were affected and it is believed the attack was intended to shut down the four arteries of the TGV network out from Paris.

State-owned rail operator SNCF said timetables would be severely impacted all weekend and urged all travellers to postpone their journeys.

It added in a later statement that customers will be contacted by text message and email to "confirm their train movements".

The Olympic rings are illuminated as lights emanate from the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadero during the opening ceremony for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, Friday, July 26, 2024. (Loic Venance/Pool Photo via AP)