WINTER OLYMPICS: THE COURT of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has yet to announce their ruling on the latest challenge from Brazil to the women's bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, but the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) are adamant the outcome won't threaten Ireland's entry of Aoife Hoey and Claire Bergin.

Cas heard the Brazilian appeal on Thursday, related to the International Bobsleigh and Toboganning Federation (FIBT) qualification system for the Games.

However, according to OCI president Pat Hickey, the fact Cas already ruled in favour of Ireland’s qualification – following a previous challenge from Australia – effectively guarantees their participation.

“The president and the executive committee of the International Olympic Committee took the decision to add an extra-team (Australia), and in the wording they confirmed that both Australia and Ireland were definitely now in the Olympic games,” said Hickey.

Hoey and Bergin are scheduled to compete on February 23rd, with Hoey named as the Irish flag-bearer for last night’s opening ceremony.

– Ian O’Riordan