OCI Chief Executive Dr Stephen Martin said, “We have been working closely with Curling since their participation in the 2006 World Cup and our subsequent debrief in Glasgow.The 2008 award of 45k euro will enable Ron Meyers to be retained and prepare the team over 3 crucial training weekends in Greenacres National Curling Centre near Glasgow, compete in 3 high level competitions in Europe, including the World Curling Edinburgh Tournament. Irish Curling have also been able to contract the services of a psychologist, physiotherapist and a curling specific fitness expert as part of their support team. Unfortunately due to work commitments the team will be without 2 of their leading players, so it will be a real challenge to qualify for the Worlds. However to be in European A is a significant step forward”
Gordon McIntrye , Team Manager said “Curling are currently in Division A with all of the nations of world Curling, and we are indebted to the OCI for working with us to get to this level. They have shown great vision in supporting us and we have a shared goal of achieving qualification for the World Cup in 2009 and subsequently Olympic qualification for 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. We do not recieve any Government funding as yet”
OCI President Pat Hickey has always been supportive of Winter sports in Ireland and said that ” the Olympic Council are committed to helping Curling so It would be great for Irish sport to have a team sport involved in Vancouver”.
