New post will be paid one

ROWING: After the recent resignation of chief coach Hamish Burrell, the pace of change in Irish rowing hotted up even further yesterday with the announcement that the position of High Performance Director is to be advertised shortly in the national newspapers.

The post, currently held by Mick O'Callaghan who has also acted as team manager, will be a professional paid one.

Attention will now focus on whether O'Callaghan, who has not been paid for his services, will apply for the new position.

O'Callaghan was not contactable for comment last night.

O'Callaghan and Frank Durkin, the president of the Irish Amateur Rowing Union, had met representatives of the Sports Council yesterday before the announcement of the decision.

There was also a full discussion at the meeting of the situation regarding the now vacant position of chief coach. There will be a further meeting to agree details of how this appointment will be made and the job will be advertised shortly.

The interview panel for the post of High Performance Director will have both IARU and Sports Council members.