Athletics Ireland statement
Athletics Ireland understand the disappointment of athletes who were not selected.
We categorically and completely reject any inference that an athlete’s background was in any way a factor in the decision. The selection process and criteria has been in place since 2015 and communicated to all.
The 5 person panel of experienced people, Jim Aughney, Eamon Harvey, Patsy McGonagle, Brid Golden, Paul McNamara with Kevin Ankrom as chair, assessed the situation carefully.
The panel made very difficult decisions given that we were privileged to have to make choices with so many athletes hitting the qualification times. The decisions were based purely on which athletes the panel believed would deliver the best performances at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
We await any appeals which will be heard by an independent appeal panel.