SAILING ISA nominate crew to compete in Star class at 2008 Olympics

Peter O'Leary & Stephen Milne have been recommended to the OCI as Ireland’s representatives in the Star class at the 2008 Olympics.

On 1st May the ISA board unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Olympic Steering Group (OSG) to nominate O'Leary & Milne following their exceptional campaign. The OSG met on 30th April to select a crew for the Star class following the recent successful Star World Championships in Miami USA at which Ireland secured a nation place at the 2008 Olympics. 

Colm Barrington, Chairman of the OSG, commented "The three crews in contention for the place demonstrated enormous skill and great determination in their campaigns. While it is very disappointing for the 2 crews who miss out, the OSG unanimously selected O'Leary & Milne. They have demonstrated that they have the best chance of success in the Olympic regatta in 2008".

James O'Callaghan, ISA Performance Director, stated "Obviously we were delighted with the performances of all three crews throughout the campaign. They all knew the selection process in advance and the competition between them drove them all to strong performances."
ENDS

Note for Editors

Ireland has secured places in 4 of the 11 Olympic sailing disciplines (Star, Finn, 470 and Laser Radial) matching the performance target set after the 2004 Athens Olympics. The agreed process for selection is that the OSG nominate crews in the 4 disciplines to the ISA board.

The four crews nominated to the Olympic Council of Ireland for the regatta in Qingdao this August are Ciara Peelo (Laser Radial), Tim Goodbody (Finn), Ger Owens & Phil Lawton (470) and Peter O'Leary & Stephen Milne (Star).

There were 3 crews in contention for the selection in the Star class, Peter O'Leary & Stephen Milne, Max Treacy & Anthony Shanks and Maurice 'Prof' O'Connell & Ben Cooke.

For further information contact 
James O'Callaghan, ISA Performance Director Mobile: 086 3368239