Concerns about funding 'a niche sport' may rule Ireland out of hosting America's Cup

The Irish Examiner has learned that the government in recent days requested more time to consider the costs and potential financial benefits

A formal announcement is expected from New Zealand later this evening when the race organisers are expected to announce their preferred bidder. Picture: Gilles Martin-Raget / AFP

Ireland is expected to be ruled out of the running this evening to host the 2024 America’s Cup event.

It follows high-level contacts between senior representatives of the government here and the race authorities in New Zealand over the last 48 hours.