Opportunities are running out for the IABA to secure Olympic places. Only three qualifying tournaments remain and delegates to last Saturday's Central Council have agreed to employ two additional coaching experts until the final qualifying sessions are staged by the end of March.

A new £15,000 per annum post of Coaching Administrator and an Administrative Director (£25,000) were filled at Saturday's meeting. Their names will be announced at a press conference in Dublin tomorrow evening.

Michael Kennedy and Gary Connolly of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation informed delegates of the terms governing grant applications for the Sports Capital programme.

It was also revealed the IABA will be committed to find £300,000 to add to the £1.3 million government grant for the refurbishment of the National Stadium.