DUBLIN, July 26, 2024 — Funding to Rowing Ireland has been suspended by Sport Ireland, a significant blow to the nation’s Olympic hopefuls, due to concerns raised earlier this month. The financial support, totaling €1.4 million for high performance and a core funding of €400,000, has been halted, impacting the organization’s ability to prepare athletes for future competitions.
Funding Freeze Follows Concerns for Irish Rowing
The decision by Sport Ireland reflects a serious evaluation of governance and athlete welfare within Rowing Ireland.
- Sport Ireland has stopped funding to Rowing Ireland, totaling €1.8 million.
- The decision stems from concerns raised in July 2024.
- Rowing Ireland acknowledged the need for review and improvement.
- Ireland achieved notable success in rowing at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
Rowing Ireland acknowledged the situation in a statement, stating, “there are lessons to be learned” and confirming a comprehensive review of “all aspects” of the issue. The organization emphasized its commitment to “reflection, learning and continuous improvement” in supporting athletes and strengthening governance.
What is the primary focus of the review? Rowing Ireland recognizes the importance of athlete safeguarding and welfare, stating that these responsibilities are shared across the entire sporting system, while acknowledging their own direct accountability.
Ireland’s rowing program has experienced recent success on the world stage. At the delayed 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy secured a gold medal in the lightweight men’s double sculls, while Emily Hegarty, Aifric Keogh, Eimear Lambe, and Fiona Murtagh earned a bronze in the women’s four.
The success continued at the Paris Olympics, where O’Donovan and McCarthy defended their gold medal. Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch added to the medal count, claiming bronze in the men’s double sculls. The suspension of funding casts a shadow over the future of these athletes and the program’s continued momentum.
The timing of this funding suspension is particularly sensitive, as rowing programs typically begin intensive preparations for upcoming Olympic cycles immediately following a Games.
Rowing Ireland affirmed its dedication to addressing the concerns raised and working towards a resolution that will allow it to continue supporting its athletes and upholding the highest standards of governance.
