Northern Ireland

Six counties disappearance from Olympic Team Ireland map post prompts apology from government agency

Statistics agency social media post showing the north “underwater” prompts one commentator to suggest it is a good thing Daniel Wiffen can swim

The north 'underwater'
The north 'underwater' in the original CSO post
By John Breslin

Ireland’s statistics agency has apologised after posting a graphic celebrating a Team Ireland Olympic gold medal in rowing - but with the north entirely removed.

Multiple critics were quick to point out that Team Ireland includes many competitors from the north, including gold medal winner Daniel Wiffen.

The Central Statistics Office responded by replacing the graphic posted on social media marking the men’s lightweight double skulls victory with the six counties included.

“Thanks to everyone for your feedback,” the CSO said in the updated post.

“The original post was based on CSO Census 2022 and the map reflected that. We’ve now amended the map and the figure is still based on CSO Census 2022 population data.

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“We apologise for any offence caused. Go #TeamIreland we’re proud of you all!”

Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, both from Skibbereen in Cork, won the gold medal on Friday.

The CSO, in its post, noted: “One in 725 people from Skibbereen are competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.” This compares to a 26 counties rate of close to one in 39,000 people, according to the CSO.

In response to the original post, one commentator remarked: “I see Daniel Wiffen’s home is underwater. It’s a good thing he can swim.”

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 02: Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donovan of Team Ireland celebrate winning the gold medals after competing in the Rowing Lightweight Men's Double Sculls Final A on day seven of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on August 02, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 02: Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donovan of Team Ireland celebrate winning gold in the Rowing Lightweight Men's Double Sculls Final PICTURE: FRANCOIS NEL/GETTY IMAGES (Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Four of the 16 Irish rowers at the Olympics trained in Skibbereen, population of 2,900, according to the 2022 Census. Already, two of Team Ireland’s northern contingent have won medals, 23-year-old Mr Wiffen from Maheralin and rower Dr Philip Doyle (31) from Belfast.

Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch celebrate with their bronze medals after Thursday's double sculls final in Paris. Picture by Alex Davidson/Getty Images
Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch celebrate with their bronze medals after Thursday's double sculls final in Paris PICTURE: ALEX DAVIDSON/GETTY IMAGES (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

The CSO said in a statement: “We have deleted the original post and reposted a revised map which covers the island of Ireland. We apologise for any offence caused.”