McDaid calls for end to dispute

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Dr Jim McDaid, TD, yesterday entered the continuing debate surrounding the dispute between champion marathon runner Catherina McKiernan and the governing body of athletics, BLE.

The Minister said he shared "the disappointment of the Irish public at the difficulties that have arisen between McKiernan and BLE" and "urged both parties to get together to try to resolve the situation". He also asked the head of the Irish Sports Council, John Treacy, to offer its services to help find a solution.

BLE, however, had no reaction yesterday to the Minister's offer, claiming not to have seen the Minister's text.

"Nobody in BLE has yet seen the Minister's statement and so we are not in a position to consider it. Once BLE sees the statement then it can make a response. We sincerely hope that common sense will prevail," said a spokesman.

"The International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) made a contribution to the peace process by awarding the World Championships to Belfast. Primo Nebiolo even got involved himself. From a BLE perspective it is incumbent upon us that we too should put the very best team available into the championships, a team capable of winning medals," he added

The dispute centres around McKiernan's desire to compete in the World Half Marathon Championships in Zurich on September 27th. Ranked number two in the world over the distance, she has not yet had her entry ratified by BLE, which firstly wants a binding commitment from her to compete in two Irish events next season, the national inter-club and the World Cross Country Championships in Belfast. If BLE does not ratify her entry for Zurich, she cannot compete.

John Treacy said he had offered the Sports Council's services as a mediator. "I had a word with BLE and made the offer that the Sport's Council is available if BLE wishes to use them in order to find a resolution to this issue," he said. "The offer is there. It was made today (Thursday) and that is all we can do. If BLE so wish to use the Sports Council well and good, if not then that is their own decision. Governing bodies are autonomous and it is not for us to try and influence them one way or another."

McKiernan has stated that she is willing to pay for the cost of the trip to Zurich herself and all that she is seeking from BLE is that it allows her to run. BLE, however, says that cost is not the issue even though it is in some financial difficulties.

There is, apparently, a ruling which states that BLE will cover the cost of any athlete once it is prepared to send them to an event to represent Ireland. It is a longstanding ruling which effectively prevents athletes from buying their way into events. BLE, however, emphasises that this is not the case with McKiernan.

It has also been pointed out that all elite athletes who are on the carding scheme for Sports Council grants are contracted. McKiernan did not avail of the grant. Had she applied, she would have been certain of receiving £12,000 in the last awards, the same as Sonia O'Sullivan. However, since she passed over the offer for government money she is not bound by contract, the only elite athlete who is in this position.

Ironically, Treacy, an Olympic silver medalist in Los Angeles, along with other high profile Irish athletes of that era were involved in an ongoing dispute with BLE during their careers, one which largely centered around money. Double World Cross Country Champion and European champion, Sonia O'Sullivan, also became embroiled in a public squabble at the Atlanta Olympic games in 1996 over the issue of sponsorship.

It has also been confirmed that Dermot Donnelly from Belfast's Annadale Striders has declared for Ireland. The 10,000m runner has competed for Britain and currently holds a World Championship `A` standard for the distance.