Former Irish men’s senior coach Paul Revington has hit back at suggestions that he and his management team were the root cause of a €37,500 overspend that almost saw Ireland withdraw from the Champions Challenge I.

Irish hockey chiefs claim former coach Paul Revington and his management team were responsible for a €37,000 overspend that leaves the national body facing a potential financial “crisis year” in 2013.

A remarkable fundraising drive by the Irish hockey community had a happy ending as Ireland’s participation in next month’s men’s Champions Challenge I in Argentina was confirmed yesterday.

The Irish Hockey Association yesterday announced Mike Heskin will take over as chief executive from Angus Kirkland.

NATIONAL Olympic rowing manager Mike Heskin believes the Government must begin to invest in the development of specialist sports programmes for children, if Ireland is to achieve its sporting potential.

THE Irish heavyweight fours will be in good company in this evening’s Olympic B Rowing final at Shunyi Park, (5.50pm, local; 10.50am, Irish).

THE Irish lightweight fours are in confident mood ahead of their second bid for an Olympic semi-final in today’s repechage at the Shunyi Park (9.40am, Irish time).

An Irish rowing team of seven boats has been announced to compete in the opening regatta of the FISA World Cup series next week at the 1972 Olympic regatta course in Munich, Germany.