AthleticsThe final straw perhaps. But for now Ireland will not see a green vest at the elite end of men's hurdling, as Peter Coghlan has become the first victim of the Irish Sports Council's Beijing cull of high-profile athletes. In a statement last light, Coghlan said he has been forced to turn his back on international athletics after learning he won't receive grant aid for the coming year.

"In light of the recent announcement of the Irish Sports Council's grants for 2005, it is with great regret that I am forced to make the decision to retire from athletics," he said.

"I have greatly appreciated the support I have always received from friends, family, fellow athletes and the Irish public in general, but the unfortunate reality is that I can no longer afford to train at the level required to compete at the elite end of the sport.

"I am an economics graduate from Yale University, so I can say with certainty that money has never been a motivating factor in my athletics career. I also realise that I am fortunate enough to have been able to pursue an endeavour so close to my heart. Everyone should be so lucky.

"But the commitment required to compete at the high performance end of athletics is enormous, and the grants I have received over the past five years - thanks to the Irish tax-paying public - have been essential.

"I also believe the enjoyment that successful athletes bring to the Irish public is worth that investment and more."

Coghlan's retirement at 29, a year older than 1,500 metres runner James Nolan, also holds a message for those who run the sport in Ireland. His reluctant adieu is not without a sting in the tail for decision-makers who expect medals in Beijing and beyond. Like Mark Carroll, he points to the facilities in Ireland as being so poor as to force athletes to continue the history of accepting the collegiate shilling.

His coach, Paul Doyle, sees no logic in the council's decision. "What has happened seems very ignorant. An athlete performs badly and they cut grants?" said Doyle. "The athletes they've chosen to cut makes it ridiculous. Some are going to compete in the World Championships in Helsinki!"

Coghlan's statement is also tinged with regret. "I am currently qualified to compete at this summer's World Championships in Helsinki in the 110m hurdles and had laid out a training plan for that event which I began in October, and it is with great disappointment that I am now forced to bring those preparations to a premature close.

"Last year, American hurdler Allen Johnson won the World Indoor Championships with a personal best at the age of 33, so age is not a factor. At 29 years old I firmly believe I have not unlocked my full potential in the sport, and with the right support could still compete with the best in the world.

"My coach agrees. My national federation, the Athletics Association of Ireland, agrees. Unfortunately the Irish Sports Council does not share that same belief.

"Investing in players and athletes, like most other investments, does not have a guaranteed return.

"The only guarantee is that if you do not invest at all, there will certainly be no return.

"I wish the best to all my compatriots on the Irish athletics team and hope that they continue to produce the success that, in reality, is little short of miraculous given the current level of support structures and facilities in place in Ireland."