CENSORSHIP ON SEANIE'S WEBSITE

[Sarah]

Here here Clara! I've followed the entire argument and I'm shocked by Noel's behaviour. I'd like to say that there are juniors viewing this site daily and that some of the postings from Noel have been unacceptable from that perspective.

[lizbyr]

Clara / Sarah

I agree fully with your comments about Noel Tallon. His abusive comments and postings about Seanie are outrageous. This guy is supposed to be a Senior Officer of the Canoe Union and a representative for the canoeing community. Mr. Tallon should now consider his position on the ICU Board and resign !! If not the Board should take action against him - otherwise it will lose any credibility it has left.

I hope Seanie will not be bullied by Tallon by taking down his postings. Tallon not only used abusive language; he called Seanie a bully and a coward, threated him with legal action, and then maintained that Seanie took some form of pornagraphic pleasure from maintaining the postings on the site.

Is this the sort of guy we want running the Canoe Union/Canoe Ireland.

Liz Byrne

[Simon92]

While his behaviour has been inappropriate(possibly very inappropriate) in terms of recent postings (numerous postings), and that this forum is read by children etc it must be remembered how much time and effort Noel has put in over the last few months in terms of the, for lack of a better description, "unfortunate circumstances" besetting our governing body.

While his comments seemed very harsh and over the top, I understand how someone under stress could react the way Noel did. Therefore, if he is truly sorry and made a statement as such, a feel a second chance is warranted.

That said, the prolonged outburst should not be ignored either

[orky]

This whole thing has gotten way out of hand. Behaviour has been totally unnaceptable. I don't understand how something about paddling has gotten so far away from the point. I feel ashamed to be associated with Irish kayaking right now. Why do we need so much bureaucracy for something that so simple. I know we are all passionate about this sport but please don't make things personal lads theres no need and the whole point of the discussion gets lost .

[leftism]

Noel and the rest of the board have made huge sacrifices over the past year! None of us can fully contemplate the level of stress and pressure that these volunteers have undergone! The board had to stand firm for practically an entire year, against a tide of protests, legal cases, letters circulated, lies spread and in spite of all this, they managed to complete a very difficult investigation which has been ratified and endorsed by the High Courts. Not easy for a bunch of volunteers who also have full time jobs and families and a love of paddling just like the rest of us!

Bottom line is that without the incredible voluntary effort made by Noel, we would probably still be under the leadership of a dishonest CEO who was robbing the federation of much needed funds! Noel did more than anyone else to expose the level of corruption undertaken by our former CEO and for that, every member of the ICU owes him a huge debt of gratitude...

It must also be noted that through both this website and his brave stance taken at previous AGMs, Seanie has also sacrificed hugely in order to expose corruption and bad practice in the ICU. I have the utmost admiration for both men and i think the biggest shame in all of this, is that the two of them could make a great team if they could see eye to eye!

This website has been the best source of information and debate in Irish canoeing, especially over the past year when it was needed most! Seanie and others will (and should) continue to scrutinise and (where necessary) be critical of the decisions taken by the ICU. Such scrutiny is important in maintaining a transparent and accountable system of governance. An entire membership, blindly marching to the tune of a few corrupt leaders is pretty much what got us in this mess in the first place. Used properly, this forum can and should benefit both the leadership and membership of the ICU. It could be used as a tool to help to move our sport in a positive direction!

The spate of posts over the last week has been unfortunate, but upon reflection Noel has apologised for his inappropriate tone and language. Lets hope everyone can now park this argument and move on with more important business...

[Seanie]

HA, I wrote almost the same post as you within seconds, great minds etc.

Everyone has a bad day, I'm a big boy and a few words wont do any harm. As for kids reading this forum, I swear quite a bit so please be forewarned the content is mainly directed at adults.

I have reflected on this issue a lot of the last few days. While Noel hasn't mentioned it, I'm aware that himself and the rest of the ICU board and executive are under a lot of pressure over the last number of months. I feel that the slip ups and issues over the last number of weeks are a result of this. While I am a loud critic of both the board and executive over the last number of months/years, the work done by the board and executive during the "legal issues", and by Noel himself is to be commended.

To be honest I had given up on the ICU for a while and its only due to Noel Tallons work as treasurer, bringing financial credibility to the organization and company. It was his work that made me believe that the ICU has a future at all. And I would be very disappointed if he had to resign over a few ill tempered words on a forum. His work speaks for itself. He's not the secretary and he's not the chairman, he's the treasurer. Speaking isn't part of the brief. Arguably the best treasurer over the last 10 years. That's how he represents the ICU.

I have communicated with Noel and plan on removing his posts when I get a chance (I'm at work). He has apologised publicly, and I consider that the end of the matter.

There are far more import issues that face the ICU and us all as a paddlers, we should focus our attention on them.

[roshaw_87]

Seanie sums it up well. Noel you can't go your work is not done yet. Please stay positive and add to the constructive debate on this website and at are coming AGM. As for those youth using this website, they good be doing alot worse on the internet then reading this, i'd see this as a polite corner of our media. I noticed a number of posters who have felt compelled to post their distaste but have not added their thoughts to the motions or the wishlist. Please let Noel(and all who read this)know what you think are board should be doing at not just what it shouldn't. I mean it please post:

motions:
http://forum.iww.ie/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=961

wishlist:
http://forum.iww.ie/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=961