Anne Keenan Buckley Testimony

DCU’s planned removal of Enda Fitzpatrick from his position as Director of the DCU Athletics Academy is one of the most retrograde steps in Irish athletics. As an Olympian who understands Elite sport and having been Athletics Ireland cross country team manager from 2006 to 2012 in addition to middle distance coach at 2 Olympics (Beijing and London), I was greatly impressed by the programme that Enda was nurturing at DCU - a model that offered an environment and culture necessary to compete at international level. I had no hesitation in joining the coaching staff; Enda had developed a multi-faceted programme that athletes nationwide continue to aspire to be part of!

In recent years, I have witnessed Enda’s frustrations with senior management as he endeavours to deliver the high quality services required to run an elite programme. Cut backs in coaching, scholarships, travel and recruitment have contributed greatly to these frustrations. I admire his resilience that despite these resource challenges, Enda has continued to advocate tirelessly on behalf of the Academy and the interests of its athletes. He has never been afraid to challenge decisions that impact on the best interests and wellness of his athletes.

Enda’s resilience unfortunately continues to be called upon everyday as, despite the manner in which his planned termination appears to be mismanaged by the university; Enda’s commitment to his Academy and his athletes has remained uncompromised. The fact, that as I write this, Enda is currently managing many of our DCU athletes competing successfully over the coming weeks in Loughborough, Oordegem (Belgium) and Spain gives testimony to my opening comment that the legacy of Enda’s athletics programme to DCU is stronger than the universities apparent desire to dismember it!

We have treaded a long and successful path together. I’m saddened to think that we may have abruptly reached an end. DCU’s loss with undoubtedly be someone else’s gain!