OCI unlikely to change deadline

THE Olympic Council of Ireland appear certain to stand firm on their weekend deadline for Olympic qualification.

However, they could ratify the nomination of discus thrower Nick Sweeney, who threw the qualifying distance at a meet in the US on Sunday, hours after the deadline expired.

Last night, representatives of the Athletic Association of Ireland met with OCI representatives, including Hon General Secretary, Dermot Sherlock, and the Chef de Mission for Athens, Willie O’Brien, and it is understood they made cases for athletes who are close to the required A standards. Those include sprinter Gary Ryan, high hurdler Peter Coghlan, and 1,500m runner Gareth Turnbull, who are likely to achieve the standard between now and August.