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What exactly are the internal problems in Athletics Ireland?

  • 24-08-2009 7:16pm
    #1
    Pisco Sour
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,029 ✭✭✭


    Hi all, I've read Sonia and Coghlans autobiographies and they completely slate the AAI (or the BLE as it used to be called). But I've never had a proper understanding about why the AAI are so unhelpful to many of our athletes. Whats the reasons for this? What are these power struggles that people speak of? Would somebody be able to give a simple background as to why the AAI are an apparant shambles?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Peckham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,558 ✭✭✭Peckham


    Not meaning to be unhelpful, but given the upcoming legal action in relation to AAI, I don't think it would be wise to have a discussion here about internal problems it's having.


  • #3
    OutsideLane
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 34 ✭OutsideLane


    04072511 wrote: »
    Hi all, I've read Sonia and Coghlans autobiographies and they completely slate the AAI (or the BLE as it used to be called). But I've never had a proper understanding about why the AAI are so unhelpful to many of our athletes. Whats the reasons for this? What are these power struggles that people speak of? Would somebody be able to give a simple background as to why the AAI are an apparant shambles?

    Thanks

    AArgh...! Where to start...?

    I don't know all the details/intrigues/whatever you may call it, but......

    1. Right now the board of the AAI is in legal dispute with it's (former) boss Mary Coghlan. She's the second to get shifted in quick succession. Background is that Sports Council (who fund them) insisted they have a professional run the organisation. This is going/gone legal, so that's maybe all that can be said here at the mo on this.

    2. There's a vacant post for a number of years (High Performance Director). A prominent guy was supposed to take it up a couple of years ago but ran a mile (excuse the pun) when he looked at the background.

    3. Sports Council is holding back money until various issues sorted out.

    4. History of conflict between Olympic Council (Pat Hickey) and AAI. In fairness to AAI in this it looks like Hickey was the (worst..?) baddie.

    5. Any number of power struggles going on at various times.

    BTW - BLE is not the AAI. All the bodies got together over 10 years ago and AAI is the result. Previous AAI president (Heery) held it together somewhat and it did seem that progress was being made for a while. However, last couple of years have seen the whole thing slide completely. The legal battle with Coghlan will cost more than they are spending on the athletes...!

    Most athletes, coaches and officials at grassroots level just try and get on and in fairness there have been success stories. Tracks now in most counties, Ferrybank in Waterford, Dooneen AC (+ W. Lim and Bilboa to a lesser extent) in Limerick, the small clubs in Kerry prospering around Farranfore track, Ennis Track (+ small clubs) in Clare, etc. So really it's the struggles (& some folks) at/near the top that are at the middle of the main issues.

    I'm aware of EC's and So'S's, etc issues too.

    That's a limited, personal view of what is going on. I'm sure others here could give a broader (incl. Dublin) and more informed insight.


  • #4
    hunnymonster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,365 ✭✭✭hunnymonster


    Ok, folks, this debate could go off the rails so I'm going to request that people have some common sense. If you're making a point, back it up with appropriate references. Keep to the facts (as they are known) and don't get personal.


  • #5
    Vinny Mulvey
    Closed Accounts Posts: 42 ✭Vinny Mulvey


    I think the moderators should lock this thread for the sake of legalities in the case.


  • #6
    --amadeus--
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,096 ✭✭✭--amadeus--


    Vinny Mulvey wrote: »
    I think the moderators should lock this thread for the sake of legalities in the case.

    Oh I dunno, like HM said as long as we are sensible there is no reason we can't talk about these issues.

    For teh sake of 100% clarity to repeat & slightly expand HM's rules:
    1. If you make a statement of fact cite your sources - a link to a newspaper article for example. "I heard from a man who knew..." won't be acceptable
    2. No unsubstantiated allegations!
    3. If you make a statement of opinion please make it clear it is an opinion. "I think that teh root issue is...", for example. We don't want opinions and fact getting mixed up
    4. No personal abuse - "Ms X is a moron who couldn't manage a tea bar" will get you a ban

    Please be aware this is a privately owned website so any content that may get us into legal hassle will be deleted as soon as it's brought to our attention.

    Enjoy ;)


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