Swim Ireland shocked at Prime withdrawal

SWIM IRELAND’S newly appointed National Performance Director has informed that body he will not be taking up the position.

Barry Prime’s appointment was formally announced on April 8, when he said he was “delighted” to accept the post. Speaking yesterday from his home in Australia, Mr Prime said: “It is with regret that I had to inform the Swim Ireland board of my decision not to take up the position of National Performance Director.

“The reason for my change of heart is to do with my decision to stay in Australia. I have been on the road travelling to international swimming competitions for the past 32 years and felt that it was time for me to find a community where I could call home and settle down.

“I have realised that I do not wish to leave Australia and for that reason, and that reason alone, I will not take up the post. Swim Ireland and the Irish Sports Council have been excellent during all my negotiations with them. I must indeed congratulate Swim Ireland on the professionalism of the organisation and their desire to improve the standard of swimming in Ireland and compete successfully in the international arena.”

Swim Ireland chairman Tony Farrell said: “I am taken aback by Barry’s decision. Following an extensive process and discussions Barry was made an offer which he accepted. However, we must accept his decision and resume our search for a world-class swimming professional who can lead high performance swimming in Ireland for the next few years.”

Swim Ireland had identified the post of National Performance Director as critical to the development of high performance swimming in Ireland, and the Irish Sports Council supported the appointment.

Yesterday Sarah Keane, chief executive of Swim Ireland, said: “This is a very disappointing development. We were excited at the prospect of Barry Prime leading our high performance programme and his change of heart is a setback to our plans.”