Figure skater seeks to compel governing body to select her

A figure skater has launched a High Court challenge aimed at compelling the sport’s national governing body to select her for forthcoming international skating events.

Fianait Bligh (18) wants the court to grant orders compelling the Ice Skating Association of Ireland (ISAI) to comply with representations allegedly made to her that, if she fulfilled certain criteria, she would be selected to take part at International Skating Union events.

Ms Bligh, originally from Dublin and now living in Scotland, competes at junior level and claims she is being discriminated against.

Donnchadh Woulfe, for Ms Bligh, secured permission from Mr Justice Paul Gilligan to serve short notice of his proceedings against the ISAI. The application was made on an ex-parte basis (one side only represented).

Counsel said skating was very important to his client who had finished school to concentrate on her skating.

She had undergone training in Ontario, Canada.

The judge returned the matter to tomorrow.