And they're off...

I know this is my first Games and that I therefore have nothing to compare it to - and I know I may be a little biased by the fact it is on Irish soil - but the unfolding of the opening ceremony set the perfect tone for this special week.

For one thing, the sun was shining and that hasn't happened in at least a month of sundays in Dublin.

For another thing, there was a sense of celebration before the first medal had even been taken from its box and given a polish.

There will be some for whom crossing the finish line first is the goal this week. For many though, getting to the start line in Dublin on sunday night was an achievement in itself.

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Day Two and on campus there was the air of something stirring and winners winning at a remove from the Games base - word of their successes were drifting along on a grand warm wind coming down from Coolock and from tree-lined home straights in events like the mini-marathon.

The stories too have started to bob to the surface. The amazing ties that link some of the people in Dublin this week - literal blood brothers and sisters. The medical journeys that some have taken to the brink of death and back to their new life.

Thankfully, the media is taking some notice.

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Tomorrow, the activity will be mostly at DCU where those of us who like to think we can play badminton will take over the sports hall.

This will be my first event. I'm not sure if I'm nervous or excited or if that feeling in my tummy may just be related to the old organ failure.

It'll be an early start. If anyone sees me slumped against a tree on the way up the avenue, just give me a push and a cup of coffee.

Best of luck everyone!