Rio 2016 Let The Games Begin

The sailors to represent Ireland at the ISAF Sailing World Championships to be hosted in Santander, Spain from 12-21 September were announced today at a press conference in Dublin. This event will be the first opportunity for Providence Team IRL to qualify Ireland for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in the following classes:

Providence Team IRL (sailors that competed in London 2012)
49er - Ryan Seaton & Matt McGovern
Laser Radial - Annalise Murphy
Laser Standard - James Espey

ISA Development Academy (sailors in training for 2016 or 2020)
49erfx - Andrea Brewster & Saskia Tidey
Laser Standard - Finn Lynch

Also announced was that the Rio 2016 Paralympic qualifier event will take place at the IFDS World Championships in Halifax, Canada from 19-24 August. John Twomey from Kinsale will be hoping to qualify for his 11th consecutive Paralympic Games.

Providence Team IRL - Paralympic Team
Sonar (Paralympic) - John Twomey, Ian Costello & Austin O'Carroll

The Irish Sailing Team had their most successful Olympics for thirty years at London 2012 with 4th, 10th and 14th place finishes and their target is to build on this success as they commence the road to Rio 2016.

Speaking at today's announcement Providence Resources Chief Executive, Tony O'Reilly said:

"Providence Resources is delighted with the progress the team has made over the last year particularly the European Championship won by Annalise in August 2013 and the Silver medal won by Ryan & Matt (49er) at Hyeres, France in April 2014. We are proud to sponsor the sailors for their qualifying events in Santander and Canada and look forward to working in partnership to achieve our target in RIO 2016."

Annalise Murphy was unable to attend the press conference today as she is currently in training in Rio for the test event in early August. She will then travel to Santander to join her Providence Team IRL teammates in preparation for the Olympic qualifier.

Commenting on the team, ISA Performance Director, James O'Callaghan stated:

"The investment by Providence Resources provides the team with additional coaching time and support as they prepare for their key event in Santander and we very much appreciate their partnership. So far we've had a great season with some stellar results. Santander and Halifax will be another level and the main aim for the team will be to qualify."