Day 19 of the Olympic torch relay saw the Olmpic Torch enter the Irish Republic and Jedward carried the torch

The Relay was started along the Skywalk at Croke Park. Among the 40 Torchbearers carrying the Flame today in Dublin were. - Silver Olympic medallist Sonia O'Sullivan - Pop duo Jedward (John and Edward Grimes) - Irish rugby player Shane Horgan - 17-year-old Robbie Lyons, who received a kidney transplant in 2009 and has competed successfully in the World Transplant Games as part of 'Transplant Team Ireland'. Symbolic border crossing: The Flame was passed during a symbolic border crossing featuring Olympic boxers Wayne McCullough and Michael Carruth. London 2012 Organising Committee Seb Coe said: 'We are delighted to be taking the Olympic Flame to Dublin. This gives us an historic opportunity to recognise sporting talent from across the Republic of Ireland. Torchbearer Alva Nolan visited the Taoiseach with the Flame, in front of the Government building gates. Alva, from Dublin, who has volunteered with Special Olympics since 2007, is a match official in basketball and referees and coaches athletes with Blackrock Flyers Special Olympics Club. She has also officiated at regional events and has organised fundraising events for Special Olympics Ireland.  After Dublin the Relay travelled through Newry and Lisburn before reaching Belfast, where the evening celebration were held at City Hall. Olympian Dame Mary Peters, TV and radio presenter Colin Murray, and cancer survivor and President of Holywood's Rugby and Cricket Club Alvin Patterson were amongst those also carrying the Flame today. Pat Hickey, President of the Olympic Council of Ireland commented: 'The Olympic Flame coming south to Dublin shows the importance of sport in building bridges for peace and a recognition of the all-island composition of Team Ireland as it goes for gold at the Olympics'.