Richard Casey says he has one of the best bodies in America - and no one in Ireland's cares. The former Limerick bodybuilder, who won the Irish title 11 years ago, moved to California, the Mecca of the sport, to turn professional.

Having won a number of competitions in California, Casey now wishes to represent Ireland in the World Championships in Slovakia this November. He also says he is willing pay his own way to the event.

Claiming to be the best light-heavyweight body builder in the United States, Casey says that Ireland have never had a competitor in the World Championships because there was simply nobody with the body. Still, he argues, officials are standing in his way out of envy and are demanding that he re-qualify, which will take at least a year.