ROWING AGM:THE BOARD of Rowing Ireland were forced into an embarrassing climbdown at the body's agm in Dublin on Saturday. A proposed major change to the articles of association to bring them into line with the Companies Act had to be withdrawn en bloc after Ruadhán Cooke, from the Gráinne Mhaol club, pointed to a provision in the 15-page document which would allow the board "in its sole discretion" to disaffiliate a club.

Cooke described the provision as “offensive”. The officers of the board apologised for the oversight, saying there was no intention to introduce such a new power.

Outgoing treasurer Gerry Farrell – who, along with president Anthony Dooley and secretary Frank Coghlan, were returned unopposed – said Rowing Ireland had spent €6,000 more than it took in last year, but he was planning for a “small surplus” in 2012. Domestic Rowing received €513,149 and spent €515,259, while the High Performance programme received €661,249 and spent €665,584.

Dooley said it was a “particular disappointment” for him that Ireland had no athletes qualified for the Olympic Games in London.