More than 200 family, friends, and well-wishers, including former Irish cricket coach Adi Burrell and Irish football great Packie Bonner, packed into the airport hotel for the team’s farewell reception last night.

Chef de Mission to the Irish team Jimmy Byrne said: “We started this journey four years ago and here we are now on the doorstep of the Games.

“It was tremendous to see so many family, friends and supporters turn out last night to send us off on the crest of a wave. They’ve supported the athletes to unimaginable lengths to see them reach this point and we’re very thankful for that, as we are of the constant support from the Irish Sports Council and our team of sponsors.”

“I can say without compromise this team has left nothing behind in the preparation for these Games. Now is their time to shine, to live their dream and make themselves, their families, friends, and Ireland proud. I have no doubt that is exactly what they will do.”

The Irish team will remain in their holding camp in the Loong Palace Hotel on the outskirts of the city until they move to the Paralympic village on September 1.

Track athlete Patrice Dockery will lead this Irish team into the Bird’s Nest Stadium on September 6 as Irish flag bearer.

The Irish team comprises of 10 track and field athletes, four cyclists (with two sighted pilot riders), one archer, four boccia players (a form of bowls for athletes with severe physical disabilities), a team of 12 footballers (seven-a-side), six swimmers, five sailors, two table tennis players, and one dressage rider.

RTE will televise six shows from these Paralympic Games as they follow the fortunes of this Irish team with the first one airing at 7.30pm, September 6 on RTÉ Two.