Cash crisis hits Irish team

Andrew Bree looks set to miss on the European Championships

A cash crisis means Swim Ireland is unlikely to send a team to the European Championships in Madrid in May.

The Irish Sports Council is witholding funding for Swim Ireland because of problems surrounding the appointment of chief executive Sarah Keane.

As a result of the stand-off, Swim Ireland says it doesn't have the funds to send swimmers to Madrid.

Those likely to be affected include US-based Andrew Bree who won a European Short Course medal three months ago.

Ulsterman Bree, who picked up a surprise silver at the short course championships in Dublin, had intended to compete in Madrid.

Swim Ireland has insisted that it has done everything possible to accommodate the Irish Sports Council's demands.

"We simply can't afford to go to the European Championships and the deadline has now passed for booking accommodation," said Swim Ireland chairman Robert Simpson.

"The Sports Council have told us that they will give us last year's money if we sort out the job description for the CEO and that we employ Sarah Keane in that position.

"But we cannot employ her because we do not have the money and also because our two administration staff are on protective notice."