Towey furious at loss of funding

Rowing: Gearóid Towey says he is appalled he has received no Sports Council funding this year while the other crew member in the lightweight double in recent years, Sam Lynch, received the top funding of €30,500.

Towey stresses he apportions no blame to Lynch, but "one rule for one and one for the other is disgusting".

The two men fulfilled the performance criteria for funding by winning a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2003, but both are stepping out of the system this year. Lynch is building strength to become a heavyweight, while Towey will compete in the Atlantic Challenge rowing race in November, with partner Ciarán Lewis.

A Sports Council spokesman said it was their understanding Lynch would have a high performance programme this year while Towey was taking a year out.

Towey reacts angrily to this point: "So I'm going to walk across the Atlantic, like?" the Corkman asks.

Towey adds that Ireland coach Harald Jahrling looked favourably on the Atlantic Crossing as not affecting his chances of being at his best in Beijing in 2008.

Towey, who is a student, says he has been clear in his focus on Beijing. He planned to rejoin the Irish system in January, but this is now in doubt. "I might have to come back and get a job. I could have to kiss Beijing goodbye."

He has lodged an appeal, but is bitter at having to do this. "The Sports Council are failing to grasp the point. Apart from me focusing on Beijing it is going to benefit rowing. There is going to be a big focus on the sport."

He feels sorry for the other athletes who were cut from the carding scheme. "The whole thing was done so badly. You dedicate your whole life to it and get told 'so long, see you'."