PARALYMICS McDonald Set New Irish Record on Day 3 of European Championships in Iceland

Ireland's Paralympic Swimming Team continued their successful run today at the IPC European Swimming Championships in Iceland with 4 Irish competitors involved in today's action.


Darragh McDonald, silver medallist in the 400m Freestyle two days ago, was back in the pool for his 50m Freestyle event (S6 Class). Finishing second in this morning's heat with an Irish record time of 33.60 seconds, McDonald went into tonight's final ranked third overall. In a closely fought race, McDonald was lying in third place when, in the final 5 metres he was narrowly beaten for the Bronze medal, finishing in 5th place overall. This is yet another fine performance from the Wexford teenager, shaving .52 seconds off the previous Irish record.


Clare resident, Jonathan McGrath made his major championship debut today in this mornings session competing in the 400m Freestyle (S8 Class) setting a new personal best with a time of 5.19.21 taking over 2 seconds off his previous best. This was enough to take McGrath through to tonight's final where he finished in 7th place with a time of 5.16.91 in another personal best time. This is a tremendous major championship debut performance and speaking after the event, Jonathan said, "The swim felt really fast compared to the heat! I am thrilled to make a final".


Gina Lourens began her championship's today finishing 7th in the final of the 400m Freestyle event (S8 Class) with a time of 5.59.87 which was half a second outside her personal best time.


Stephen Campbell from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone competed in the 400m Freestyle event (S11 Class) finishing 5th in the final with a seasons best time of 5.33.21. This is a strong result, which bodes well for the shorter events to come.


Speaking after the day's events, Irish Team Manager Mary McDonnell stated: "Team morale is very high, everyone is enjoying themselves and learning a huge amount about major competition. Of eight swims so far we've had eight finals and a silver medal. Swimmers and staff are very supportive of each other. Even though we are a small team we have made our presence felt at the pool both in the water and on the balcony!!

Tomorrow sees another busy day for the Irish contingent with four swimmers in action. Newry based Laurence McGivern makes his major championship debut in the 400m Freestyle event (S9 Class) while Jonathan McGrath returns for his 50m Freestyle event (S8 Class). Gina Lourens and Stephen Campbell compete in the 50m Freestyle events (S8 Class) & (S11 Class) respectively.


For further information contact the Paralympic Council of Ireland Press Officer John Fulham @ mobile: 087-2709182, email: communications@pcireland.ie