's Olympic boxing success led to inaccurate coverage in the international media. While previewing her semi-final bout, The Daily Telegraph, a conservative English newspaper, incorrectly referred to Taylor as "British", prompting fierce criticism from other media outlets, and an apology from the Telegraph. Fairfax Media of Australia also issued an apology, after articles published in The Age, Brisbane Times and The Sydney Morning Herald were widely condemned as "lazy stereotyping" of the Irish. Irish Ambassador to Australia Noel White issued a formal complaint about the article's reliance on Guinness, whiskey and potatoes to make a story. USA Today was criticised after its article said: “Back home on the emerald-green isle, pints of Guinness flowed freely, perhaps enough to replenish the Irish Sea. The "punters" inside betting parlors wagered pounds as if they were bits of candy. It is not hyperbole to suggest that, when Taylor entered the ring, the weight of a prideful, scuffling nation rested on her muscular shoulders.” Also, Australian commentator Russell Barwick provoked "fury" while on ESPN, comparing Team Ireland's independence from Team GB to Tasmanian athletes not performing for Australia.
Athletics
The Irish team selection caused a number of controversies. In the women's marathon Linda Byrne, Ava Hutchinson and Caitriona Jennings were selected while Maria McCambridge, who had also run the 'A' qualifying standard missed out on selection, as only three athletes from a nation may compete in the event. Additionally the deadline for qualification for the marathon had been changed to allow Barbara Sanchez, who holds dual Irish and French citizenship, a chance to qualify. The team for the women's 4 × 400 metres relay was changed after Joanna Mills won an appeal of her exclusion on the grounds of having a faster time than Catriona Cuddihy who had initially been selected. Irish athletes achieved qualifying standards in the following athletics events : in men's marathon ;Men ;Track & road events ;Women ;Track & road events ;Field events
Ireland qualified boxers for the following events. wins Ireland's first gold in 16 years ;Men ;Women
Canoeing
Slalom
Ireland qualified boats for the following events.
Sprint
Ireland qualified boats for the following events. Qualification Legend: FA = Qualify to final ; FB = Qualify to final B
Cycling
Road
Track
;Omnium
Equestrian
By rankings Ireland qualified one athlete in dressage, an eventing team and two athletes in jumping.
Dressage
Eventing
Show jumping
Gymnastics
Ireland qualified a single gymnast for London; Kieran Behan, just the second Irish gymnast in history to qualify for the Olympics, competed in the artistic gymnastics discipline.
Artistic
;Men
Judo
Modern pentathlon
Ireland qualified 2 athletes.
Rowing
Ireland qualified the following boats. ;Women Qualification Legend: FA=Final A ; FB=Final B ; FC=Final C ; FD=Final D ; FE=Final E ; FF=Final F ; SA/B=Semifinals A/B; SC/D=Semifinals C/D; SE/F=Semifinals E/F; QF=Quarterfinals; R=Repechage
Sailing
Ireland qualified 1 boat for each of the following events. ;Men ;Women ;Open M = Medal race; EL = Eliminated – did not advance into the medal race;
Shooting
;Men
Swimming
Irish swimmers achieved qualifying standards in the following events, and 1 at the Olympic Selection Time ): ;Men Qualifiers for the latter rounds of all events were decided on a time only basis, therefore positions shown are overall results versus competitors in all heats. ;Women Qualifiers for the latter rounds of all events were decided on a time only basis, therefore positions shown are overall results versus competitors in all heats.
