ATHLETICS:NOT FOR the first time in recent years Athletics Ireland has found itself with an internal crisis on its hands with the bitter fallout between the association's chief executive, Mary Coghlan, and the chair of the high performance committee, Patsy McGonagle, writes Ian O'Riordan

While there are several peripheral issues at play, the crisis reached a head yesterday when McGonagle was (according to an Athletics Ireland statement) confirmed as subject to an investigation - despite having the continued support of the high performance committee.

On legal advice, however, McGonagle was not in a position to comment, although it is known the problem is strictly to do with the working terms and relationship with the chief executive, and also the association's chair of finance and risk, Gerry Giblin.

McGonagle is also not currently suspended from his position, and instead merely precluded from any contact with the staff of Athletics Ireland.

In the meantime, Athletics Ireland have called on an independent body, or more specifically a sub-committee, to deal with the matter, and according to Coghlan - who took over as chief executive earlier this year following the departure of Brendan Hackett - it will be business as usual even if the crisis has reached the public domain.

"It's in nobody's best interest that this situation has arisen," said Coghlan.

Just how damaging the allegations may prove to be remains to be seen, and there's a clear threat to some of the key positions within Athletics Ireland.

The sub-committee to deal with the allegations will comprise of a member of the board of Athletics Ireland, a member of the finance and risk committee, and an outside person who has expertise in these areas - expected to be Kieran Mulvey of the Labour Relations Committee.

Coghlan denied the crisis was in any way related to the failed appointment of Pierce O'Callaghan as commercial director with Athletics Ireland, nor the continued delay in appointing the new director of athletics.

The Irish Sports Council are fully aware of the matter, and in constant contact on it, while Coghlan was also adamant this afternoon's egm in Tullamore would proceed as scheduled.

"Once standing orders come into play at the egm, all that can be discussed is issues pertaining to the proposed move to a company limited by guarantee. This meeting should only deal with that."