NEWS

Isabel Hurley

ihurley@theirishfield.ie

The outcome of Ireland’s Olympic appeal, heard on Wednesday before the international Court of Arbitration for Sport, is anxiously awaited.

It was heard in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the procedure is now that the panel will consider the arguments before releasing an arbitral award in the case. The timeframe for this is currently unknown.

HSI’s legal team for the hearing was led by senior counsel Martin Hayden, supported by barrister David Casserly, along with Joe Fitzpatrick and Eamon Carey from Smithwick Solicitors.

Prior to the hearing, HSI chairman Professor Pat Wall said: “To have a show jumping team at the Olympic Games is very important for Ireland. Our riders and their owners are doing a huge amount to promote Ireland as a world leader in the sport of show jumping. They went to the European Championships to pursue their Olympic dream.

“A freak incident occurred on the day which hindered our efforts. All we are looking for is fair play. We are convinced that if this incident had not happened, the Irish show jumping team would be going to the Olympics.

“Our legal team have prepared diligently. They have put in a huge effort to prepare this case. In addition, Cian O’Connor has his own legal advisors involved and the two teams have been working closely to ensure we put forward the strongest possible case,” added Professor Wall.

A CAS media spokesperson explained: “During the hearing, the panel of arbitrators will hear the parties’ arguments. The panel will then deliberate and write an Arbitral Award which contains their decision and the reasoning behind it. We do not know at this stage when the Arbitral Award will be communicated to the parties.”