BBC NI at the Olympics

Nigel Ringland
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist in Paris

Image source, Inpho

Hockey Ireland have announced that men's head coach Mark Tumilty has agreed a four-year contract extension taking him to the end of 2028.

Tumilty, from Banbridge, was appointed head coach in September 2019.

The announcement comes two days ahead their opening Olympics match against Belgium.

"I am delighted to be leading the squad into the LA cycle. I feel this squad has still plenty of room for development and I am really excited to be working with them for another four years," said Tumilty.

Push back for Ireland’s game against Belgium at the Yves du Manoir Stadium on Saturday is 09:30 BST.

Nigel Ringland
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist at Stade de France

Image source, Inpho

Day 2 of the rugby sevens is underway here at the Stade de France with top spot in Pool A to be decided between Ireland and New Zealand.

The game kicks-off at 15:30 BST and the winners are likely to have a much easier quarter-final later tonight.

If Ireland win they will face the eighth ranked team while the runners-up spot could see them taking on Fiji or France.

It’s a warm day in Paris with the current temperature a balmy 80 degrees.

Image source, Inpho

Ireland advanced to the quarter-finals of the Olympic Rugby Sevens with a pair of wins on the opening day of the tournament.

James Topping's squad were the first representatives in action at the 2024 Games for Team Ireland and booked their spot in the the knock-outs with a game to spare thanks to victories over South Africa and Japan.

After finishing 10th at the delayed Tokyo Games three years ago, Ireland ran in eight tries across Wednesday's play, beating South Africa 10-5 before crossing for six scores to get the better of Japan by a score of 40-5.

Ireland will now face New Zealand in their final pool game at 15:30 BST on Thursday before the knock-outs begin in the evening session.

After the earlier victory against South Africa, Topping had the luxury of rotating his panel for the game against Japan, ensuring all 12 squad members had featured come the final whistle of the 40-5 victory.

Terry Kennedy was the star of the first half against the Brave Blossoms, following up his earlier try against South Africa by scoring the opener in the game's first minute.

He would then create the second from well inside his own territory, breaking from deep after a period of Japanese pressure and unselfishly switching the ball inside to Chay Mullins for the score just before half-time.

Early in the second half, Harry McNulty's intercept try put Ireland in a comfortable position and Topping turned to his bench to see out the win.

Among the replacements were Leinster full-back Hugo Keenan, but it was his fellow substitute Niall Comerford who was next across the whitewash, scoring after McNulty had found his run back against the grain.

Mullins would get his second of the night as Ireland attacked straight from the restart, although Japan responded through Shotaru Tsuoka.

Bryn Ward would ensure Ireland had the final say however, the replacement using a huge fend to create the space for his try in the closing moments.

In their earlier victory over the Blitzboks, Jordan Conroy's try with the final play of the first half had given Ireland a 5-0 lead at the break.

Kennedy scored a second try with two minutes remaining but South Africa set up a grandstand finish when Shelvyn Davids squeezed over the line with 30 seconds left.

Image source, Getty Images

The opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics may not take place until Friday, but the first athletes from Team Ireland are in action well before the big showpiece on the River Seine.

It's not only an early start, but an early medal chance. Ireland finished second in the 2023-24 World SVNS Series table - ending up just two points behind winners Argentina.

In the Grand final they finished fifth, but consistency was key throughout their campaign.

"We finished second in the World Series, so I don't think a medal is out of our thoughts," said Zac Ward, the first athlete from Northern Ireland in action in Paris.

"We're planning on taking a medal as we have a good group to get through, then it is a semi-final and final; you win three games and you're guaranteed a medal."

Ireland's women's team are also in action in Paris, but they don't begin their bid for a medal until Sunday.

Ireland's men's fixtures (times BST)

South Africa (Wednesday 24 July - 16:30)

Japan (Wednesday 24 July - 20:00)

New Zealand (Thursday 25 July - 15:30)

Image source, Getty Images

It's almost time.

The 2024 Olympics in Paris are just around the corner and BBC Sport NI is ready to bring you the best of the action.

There are 38 athletes from Northern Ireland heading to France to compete in the Games - 32 for Team Ireland and six for Team GB.

This is the definitive place to keep up to date with their progress, with this rolling page having updates, reports and reaction with those who aim to make history in Paris.

The last Olympic gold medal from Northern Ireland came in 1988, and athletes heading to Paris are tipped to earn more than the sole bronze medal from the delayed Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

We will also bring you news of wider success for Team Ireland, with several athletes contenders for a medal.

For now, scroll down and have a look at some of the big feature interviews we have done with athletes from Northern Ireland heading to Paris.