Show me the money, says Irish kayak star Craig

Kayaker Hannah Craig last night hit out at the level of funding she receives from the Irish Sports Council.

Minutes after finishing 10th in the K1 Slalom final at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, Craig admitted her future in the sport is dependent on the financial backing she will receive.

“I love my sport. There are loads of different factors that come in to making a decision about the future,” said the Antrim paddler.

“The financial side is always a struggle. If I can financially do it and get a system into place, I’d love to keep on going. Sports NI have been very good to me. The Irish Sports Council, not so much. I hope it does change now because it is about time.”

She admitted to receiving some monies from the ISC following her 13th place in the 2010 World Championships but then added: “There are issues there”.

“I hope so,” she replied when asked if she expects to see an increase in finance from the Irish Sports Council in the next tranche of funding.

“There are no excuses now. I came 10th in the Olympic final.”