Ringing changes the right call

WHEN the Irish team assembled at O’Hare Airport for the return flight to Dublin after the world championships the atmosphere in the camp was one of tension as well as disappointment.

With Olympic qualification guaranteed by a place in the top eight, the 11-man squad had gone to Chicago with an ideal opportunity to book their places. But the wheels came off the wagon somewhere along the way.

They boarded the flight home with light fly Paddy Barnes the only one qualified. The main contenders would have to keep their bags packed for the grand tour that was the European qualifiers.