Moment emotional Sir Chris Hoy delivers ball at Scotland v Ireland ...

SIR CHRIS HOY was given a rapturous response at Murrayfield as he delivered the match ball ahead of the huge Scotland v Ireland clash.

The Scottish Olympics great, 48, revealed in October he was battling terminal cancer in news that left the sporting world stunned.

3

3

3

Hoy is one of Team GB's greatest-ever Olympians, having won six gold medals on the cycling track.

He's the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time and is also an 11-time world champion.

It was back in October when Sir Chris revealed the heartbreaking news that his cancer was terminal.

He had publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in February last year.

In that devastating update in October, Hoy revealed he had been given two to four years left to live.

Since his diagnosis, the brave sporting legend has been open about his health battle and has led from the front in raising awareness and supporting cancer charities.

He appeared at the World Darts Championships last month to present Luke Littler with the trophy, with tournament sponsors Paddy Power pledging to donate £1,000 for every 180 thrown to charity.

Now, Sir Chris has appeared at another huge sporting event.

The inspirational Olympian delivered the match ball at Murrayfield ahead of the huge Six Nations showdown between Scotland and Ireland.

Hoy was handed the ball by former Scotland rugby star Rob Wainwright, before taking it out onto the pitch.

Wainwright has been leading a major cycling effort in memory of Scots rugby great Doddie Weir.

A 700-mile trek ended with Hoy receiving and presenting the ball to the referee.

Hoy looked visibly emotional as the crowd gave him an incredible welcome.

He was also wearing a Scotland rugby shirt with his name 'Hoy' on the back.

There was a rapturous outpouring of cheering and applause as Sir Chris made his way out in front of the sell-out 67,000 crowd.

There was an even bigger cheer for the iconic cyclist as he made his way back off of the field.

Sir Chris was also applauded off by the players as well as Hollywood actor Gerard Butler, who was watching on from the stands.

BBC commentator Andrew Coltart declared Hoy 'an inspiration' as the legend took in the moment and headed down the tunnel.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page