Prior to these games it was alleged the British Olympic Council had stated that Ulster-born athletes could not compete for Ireland. The IASA replied that as far as swimming was concerned Ireland would be represented as an entire entity or not at all. This latter approach prevailed and a team travelled and competed which was representative of the whole of the Ireland. Ireland were represented at the 1924 Summer Olympics by a water polo team captained by Noel Purcell. No "speed" swimmers participated however.