The announcement, made by the Irish Chef de Mission Denis Toomey, comes with today marking 50 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games in the Brazilian city.

Twomey, from Cork, will remarkably be competing at an 11th Paralympic Games and has graced the biggest stage in three different sports.

At the 1980 Games in Arnhem he won a team table tennis silver medal with Frances O'Sullivan and four years later he claimed bronze in the discus throw two category at Stoke Mandeville.

His best performance came at the 1988 Games in Seoul when he won discus gold.

The 61-year-old's first Paralympics was in 1976 with sailing his sole sport since Sydney 2000.

 “I am so honoured and absolutely delighted to be asked to be the flagbearer for the 2016 Irish Paralympic Team," said Twomey.

"It will be a fantastic honour to lead the team out in Rio with the tricolour held high.

“It’s brilliant for me and also for my family, who have supported me every step of the way."

With sailing removed from the programme for Tokyo 2020 by the International Paralympic Committee, Twomey will be bowing out in Rio in the sonar class.

"This year’s Games will definitely be my last Paralympic Games so it’s a fantastic way to finish off a long and memorable Paralympic career," he said.

Toomey said Twomey's career had been "remarkable". 

“It is as a result of this remarkable and historic career, and indeed, his dedication to Paralympic sport, that I have bestowed on him the honour of carrying the Irish flag and leading Team Ireland into the stadium for the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.”