Irish Paralympic cycling cash crisis

A SENIOR Paralympic official admits Irish hopes of qualification for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games is under threat due to financial constraints.

Paralympic Cycling Ireland manager, Denis Toomey, yesterday expressed his disappointment at the level of funding available for the Irish Sports Council.

Said Toomey: “Our minimum costs for 2007 will be at least €83,000; this is just to cover the race entry, equipment, travel and accommodation. With a set of track wheels costing in the region of €4,000 per set and a top- class tandem costing up to €5,000, much more is required to give the squad their best support.”