BLE and NACA set to become one body

A positive mood in both governing bodies for athletics in Ireland, Bord Luthchleas na hEireann (BLE) and the National Athletic and Cultural Association (NACA), is likely to lead to an historic change in the sport on November 6th. It is expected that BLE and the NACA will each vote themselves out of existence on that date and agree on the setting up an all-Ireland athletics body, which will probably be called the Athletic Association of Ireland.

BLE, who have approximately 25,000 members, have called for a special congress to be held in Dublin. Their main proposal will be that BLE should cease to exist. The NACA, with 24,000 registered members, will simultaneously hold an annual congress, which according to their own constitution must be held north of the border, where they, too, will vote on a similar proposition.

According to officials in both organisations, most of their members are supportive of such a change, one which will find favour with the Minister for Tourism and Sport Jim Mc Daid. "The proposed establishment of one body representing all athletics is a very welcome development," he said yesterday. Both organisations have also signed an agreement with the body which runs athletics in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Athletics Federation (NIAF) in an effort to move the entire sport forward in a way that is believed to be best for athletes throughout the island.

It is envisaged that a new transitional executive committee be formed from as many as 10 officers from both organisations and it is expected that officials from the NIAF, although remaining a distinct organisation, will sit on all committees in the new body and possibly even hold a seat on the new executive. Athletes registered with the NIAF will have a choice of competing for Ireland or Britain or, on occasion, Northern Ireland.

The move comes about after much discussion and at a time where Irish athletics is in need of a new image. BLE, who are recognised by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) as the Irish governing body, have had several public rifts in recent years with high-profile athletes. Sonia O'Sullivan was caught in the crossfire at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in a squabble between BLE and the Olympic Council of Ireland over what track clothes to wear. Catherina McKiernan was also in conflict when she was refused permission to represent Ireland in a World Half Marathon race, again because of a dispute with the governing body. Latterly, Ciaran McDonagh, NACA member and first Irishman to clear eight metres in the long jump at the summer's World Championships in Seville, threatened to follow the talented Ulsterman James McIlroy out of Irish athletics because of what he perceived as unfair treatment.

"Irish athletics needs a new image," said a BLE official. "We are approaching Olympic year and a new coaching structure needs to be put in place. Jim Kilty is no longer director of coaching and that alone presents a new challenge for whomever comes in. But obviously until the whole thing is sorted out we can't appoint anyone."

"We hope that members will give their mandate to merge with BLE and for the NIAF to play their part in that," said an NACA official. "The north will be represented on all the committees of the new board although they'll stay affiliated with UK Athletics." "We feel that most members see it as the way to move forward and the best thing to do for Irish athletes," added the BLE official. "We're hoping that everyone holds their nerve for what will be a joint approach to athletics on the island of Ireland." Two weeks ago a meeting was held in Dublin when NACA members robustly debated the issue. There has been a long standing political dimension to the problem, one that officials now clearly believe is close to being resolved following a series of delicate meetings and consultations with members.

In addition, the whole issue of a national athletics headquarters is also a live topic, with the Morton Stadium in Santry, Dublin, currently undergoing a feasibility study by Fingal County Council with a view to constructing an indoor arena. A more united body would certainly afford that possibility greater momentum and given Minister McDaid's strong feelings, it is believed a common governing body would attract a more sympathetic ear from the Irish Sports Council.