Controversy at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The Irish bobsled team has been disqualified after they completed a practice run on a sofa.
Team coach Stig O'Treacy from Athleague said "We don't have much ice back home so the fellas have been training with my Auntie Mary's old sofa. They were doing so well that the Irish Olympic Committee said buying proper equipment was a waste of money."
The Irish completed a practice run in record time and O'Treacy's Auntie Mary didn't even spill her cup of tea. Their disqualification has led to a major international row.
Padraig O'Flannel, Chairman of the All-Ireland Furniture For Sport Committee said "Yet again the Irish are victims of discrimination. Last year Seamus O'Hooligan was disqualified from the Cresta Run for using an old tea tray and Declan Lafferty's attempt to win the Formula 1 title in an old armchair ended in tears at Silverstone. The world needs to take note. Irish sport is alive and well, even if the budget strings are a little tight."
The Irish have lodged an appeal, claiming that Thierry Henry had clearly influenced the IOC's decision.
