SAILING:Ireland's first entry in the Volvo Ocean Race is expected to be confirmed at a press conference in Dublin today, writes David Branigan. The event was formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race.

A stop-over in Galway in early summer 2009 has already been announced as part of the next race that starts from Alicante in October 2008. The Irish Government has contributed €8 million towards the campaign known as "The Green Team". Up to €20 million will be needed to compete effectively.

Kerryman Damian Foxall, who is leading the Barcelona World Race (two-handed, non-stop race), has been tipped as a likely senior crew-member.

The 70-foot boat is under construction by one of the world's best racing boat builder's new facility in China.