Irish Olympic Committee president Pat Hickey launched a scathing attack on the Government, in Salt Lake City today, for failing to support the country's Winter Games athletes.
His anger was sparked after a meeting with the Salt Lake City Hibernian Society where members offered him donations for the athletes after hearing that they had had to fund themselves to get to the Games.
"I personally as president was embarassed when over 12 people approached me and offered donations," said Hickey as he prepared to return to Dublin.
"Our athletes here are heros but they get no support or recognition from the Irish Government or the Sports Council of Ireland. The athletes and their family have had to dig deep into their pockets to help them qualify and get here," raged Hickey.
"We are supposed to be a Celtic Tiger but the team here are being treated more like Celtic paupers," he added.
John Welsh from the Hibernian Society of Utah, has promised to have a special fund raising next year to help finance the Irish team for the 2004 Winter Olympics in Turin.
"The fact that people in Salt Lake have to help fund the Irish Winter Games athletics is appalling. Summer athletes get up to £50,000 aid and medical backup. The winter team nothing," said Hickey.
AFP