The High Court has reserved judgment in an action brought by an International rower who is seeking an injunction requiring the Irish Amateur Rowing Union (IARU) to sanction his participation in a Polish regatta next week in a last-ditch bid by him to represent Ireland in the Beijing Olympic games.

MICK O’CALLAGHAN, sacked from his post as international rowing team manager, yesterday called on Ireland’s rowers to remain focused and face up to the challenge regardless of the political differences within the sport.

IRISH rowing received a multi-million euro boost yesterday when the National Rowing Centre was officially opened at Farran Wood in Inniscarra, Co Cork.

Irish Olympic rowing manager Richard Parr has insisted that the lightweight four, stroked by Kerryman Paul Griffin, will rise to the challenge of Sunday morning's final in Schinias.