During the criminal proceedings against Sharkey, victims described being sexually abused in situations connected with canoeing over a number of years. A further victim outlined that he had attended a canoeing championship in Ireland when Sharkey sexually assaulted him. Advertisement Advertisement“You told all of us that we had potential,” he told Sharkey in a victim impact statement. "Canoeing Ireland has reviewed its historical records and can confirm that, based on the records available to us, Patrick Sharkey did not hold any official role within the Irish Canoe Union or Canoeing Ireland. The Canoeing Ireland spokesperson added: “Canoeing Ireland is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for everyone involved in our sport.