Griffin calls for Ireland Olympic Games review

KERRY TD Brendan Griffin has called for a full review of Ireland’s participation in the Rio Olympics once the competition has drawn to a close.

Deputy Griffin – who is Chairman of the Dáil Transport and Sports Committee – said he wanted to see all parties involved in organising Ireland’s Olympic effort come before the committee to address the doping and tickets scandals that have marred Ireland’s Olympic campaign.

“We have all been proudly watching the performances of our Irish athletes at the Rio 2016 Olympics and I would like to wish all of those who still have to perform the very best of luck,” Deputy Griffin said.

“Unfortunately however there have been a number of negative stories too. Irish boxer Michael O’Reilly left the Olympics following his decision not to contest his suspension for breaching doping guidelines. Meanwhile the Olympic Council of Ireland has begun an investigation into how an Irishman was allegedly in possession of OCI allocated tickets for the Games in Rio,” he said.

“Minister for Sport Shane Ross and Minister of State for Sport Patrick O’Donovan have both said the opening stages of the Rio Olympics have been unsettling and frustrating for Team Ireland,” said Deputy Griffin.

“The performances of Irish athletes at the Olympics have already brought great pride to everyone in Ireland. After the Games and the Paralympic Games conclude, I would like to see the Irish Sports Council and the Olympic Council of Ireland, and other relevant parties, come before the sports committee to review performances at the 2016 Olympics,” Deputy Griffin said.

“An excellent review of the London Games was carried out under the previous chairman, John O’Mahony, and I think there would be real merit in repeating this exercise,” Deputy Griffin told the media.