Olympic Torch crosses the border

Jedward-mania hit the streets of Dublin as the pop duo carried the Olympic Torch through the Irish capital.

Thousands of people lined the streets of the Irish capital as 41 torchbearers made the historic journey through the city.

X Factor stars Jedward - formerly known as long-distance runners John and Edward Grimes - lifted the spirits of the nation as they made their way down O'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare, and past some of the city's most famous landmarks.

John said: "It's such a great experience being here. It was such an honour to carry the Olympic Torch in the relay.

"Thank you, guys, so much for all coming out and being so Jepic and so Jedicated to the Olympics."

Irish Olympic boxing medallists Wayne McCullough and Michael Carruth took part in an early-morning handover ceremony as the torch crossed the border and travelled to the Republic.

Special permission was granted so the torch could go to the south of Ireland for a historic tour that symbolised the peace process.

Jockey Ruby Walsh, footballer Paul McGrath, and Olympic-winning runners Ronnie Delany and Sonia O'Sullivan were among the sports stars who took part in the relay and a ceremony in St Stephen's Green.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny welcomed the torch to Government Buildings, which Queen Elizabeth visited last year.

"The symbolism is so powerful," said Mr Kenny. "It epitomises in so many ways what the Olympics actually stand for - higher, faster and stronger - for all of those young people who can be inspired by sport, that they take up to become world champions."