Difficult birth for Swim Ireland

Yesterday, amid anger and recrimination, the Irish Amateur Swimming Association (IASA), founded over 100 years ago, went out of existence at the Ashling Hotel in Dublin. At an a.g.m brought forward three months at the behest of the Minister for Sport, Dr McDaid, the IASA was voted into history and the articles of a new body, Swim Ireland, were passed in principle.

Interim elections were also held and an executive was formed. New elections will take place on April 24th to decide longer term positions in the organisation.

These developments were seen by many in attendance as a move away from the past scandals of former coaches George Gibney and Derry O'Rourke, who were both accused of child abuse against swimmers. O'Rourke was sentenced last February to 12 years in prison.

For others, however, it was seen as a failure to clear the organisation of the people who represented the past, and was described by the spokeswoman for victims of abuse and their parents as "disgraceful". While there were no direct allegations of wrong doing, it was argued that, because of the deep divisions caused by Gibney and O'Rourke, it would be best for the new body if none of the old executive went forward for new positions. "The people who have been in power should step down now for the good of swimming," said Leinster delegate Ben Keily.

The exhortation to step aside was not accepted by the old executive, although the former IASA president, Mary O'Malley, withdrew her name from the nomination list for the new body. While doing so she also criticised the old executive, who, she claimed, did not fully support her throughout the difficult times.

O'Malley spoke of "not getting full support as president" over the last 10 months and said that the IASA "didn't help in any way" when the Leinster Branch of the organisation reported details of abuse in 1992.

It was further pointed out that the new Swim Ireland president, Alice McKibbin, was a member of the IASA executive committee in 1993. During a minuted meeting in January of that year a letter from Irish swimmer Gary O'Toole detailing sexual abuse by former Olympic coach George Gibney against members was discussed.

McKibbin, however, pointed out that she did not see details of O'Toole's letter and strongly denied any wrong doing.

"I didn't see the letter or the details in it. I find it disconcerting that people have made allegations but my conscience is clear. I have done nothing wrong. We will not forget what happened and we do sympathise," she said.

Delegate Maura Cunningham also named Wally Clarke as being in attendance at the 1992 meeting, after which Gibney was appointed to take a swimming trip to East Kilbride. Clarke, who was the only nomination for the Treasurer's position in the Swim Ireland body, also robustly denied any wrong doing.

"I was not and never have been party to appointing a child abuser to any post," he said.

Officials urged as many delegates as possible to attend the April 24th meeting where the long-term positions will be decided.