OCI still hopeful for Irish Olympic bobsleigh duo

OLYMPIC Council of Ireland chiefs were last night hopeful that the national bobsleigh team will be allowed compete at the Winter Games in Vancouver.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) delayed their ruling on whether the Irish selection of Claire Bergin, Aoife Hoey (and alternate brakewoman Leona Byrne) can represent Ireland in the competition, which commences on February 23; or whether they be replaced by an Australian representation; or whether they allow both teams a place in the finals. A decision was due at 8pm Irish time last night but was delayed for unknown reasons.

The controversial scenario arose after the Australian Olympic Committee instigated an appeal following their failure to secure a place in the competition. They claiming the International Bobsleigh Federation (FIBT) erred in not selecting a team from the Oceania region.