duineeile

Yeah thats true, we definitely have a lot more in with a shout of medals than before which on a curve over time should increase medals won. Even last Olympics we were unlucky in a number of events (Natalya Coyle getting a donkey, Rhys slipping in the pommel final, Rory losing on play-off, first show-jumpers horse losing a shoe in team event and Cian O'Connor with a single time penalty if I remember, Sanita becoming ill) and still came out with 4 medals which in previous games would have been a great haul for Ireland. I think we have a lot of exciting prospects, just don't want to get too carried away with expectations as I've suffered too much heartbreak watching Olympics over the years. Thankfully we are long past the days when we were basically depending on Sonia. Would be class if we could get an early medal for a change to really kick-start some momentum as it definitely feeds through teams

I'm starting to get worried regards our boxers to be honest, the performances at what is ultimately a poor quality European Championships by many of our already qualified boxers have been poor. Jack Marley beaten by a Belgian fighter (!), Michael Walsh beaten in first round, Dean Clancy unable to get among medals and Harrington beaten after struggling in quarter final. O'Rourke only one that seems to be performing and seems best medal prospect for Paris. The last qualification tournament was pretty poor too with only one qualifier, and not confident we'll do much better at the next one, especially with it being on away ground in Asia. I think Jude Gallagher is a definite medal prospect but its a very tough division and a lot depends on draw and judging. Not overly confident about the rowing situation either, seems a lot of disruption due to injury/illness. Women's Pair only boat that really seemed to perform well at first World Cup regatta, mens double sculls did OK but will need to push on to threaten medals. I feel the lightweight double will be tested a lot more this year than before, the Swiss were an emerging crew last year and will be better this year too. I think talk of 7 medals is fanciful at best, difficult to see where the medals will come from in other sports, of course Daniel Wiffen will be in the mix, and Rhys McClenaghan, but like Tokyo it only takes a split second for it all to go wrong. Showjumping and golf are completely on the day sports, and generally Ireland are not blessed with luck in the Olympics. I think we need to temper expectations a bit to be honest. Obviously I'd love if we went out and won 10 medals but I've been following Ireland in Olympics for too long to allow expectations build too much. If we win 4-5 medals I think its a successful Games for us.

Ah yeah was thinking it must be something like that! Makes sense

Why don't Ireland ever enter the European qualification regatta? Is it a case of 'If they can't do it via final qualifier then they're not good enough?'

If she does end up going to Paris with GB and beating Kellie Harrington, questions will be asked of the IABA allowing it

I suppose she will turn pro as 4 years is a long time to wait with no guarantees, even if she is Irish no. 1 something as simple as a hand injury in training could ruin it all again. Then factor in that she has only so many years to make money so she needs to make hay while the sun shines. If she does get the switch to Team GB and meals in Paris it could significantly up her earning potential in the pro ranks, Eddie Hearn would be all over her like a rash. I feel very bad for her and kind of understand what she's doing but I would tend to agree with Dodge in that I wouldn't like to see her selected for GB, especially if she ended up with the potential to scupper Irish medal chances.

The time frame does seem incredibly short so hard to see how it could credibly happen but stranger things have happened. Didn't Tyson Fury attempt a similar allegiance switch circa 2008 only for the Irish clubs to kick up a fuss and block it? Pity in a way as we had no real contenders at heavyweight back then ourselves. If she does get the nod and then qualify I think its inevitable really that she'll meet Harrington, most likely in the quarter final. I've been following Ireland at Olympics long enough to know that we get a lot of bad luck which often borders on the bizarre.

Looks like Amy Broadhurst attempting to switch to Team GB for final qualifier to try qualify at 60kg, would this be allowed, is there not usually a sit-out period of a couple of years in most sports? Imagine Walsh doesn't qualify at 66kg and Broadhurst knocks Harrington out in Paris, would really be egg on the face for the Irish team