SWIMMING Irish Short Course Nationals Kick off at the NAC

The Irish Swimming Short Course National Championships got under way today at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin. This four day event brings together Ireland's top swimmers to compete for national honours in the first competition of the 2009/2010 season. The competition also provides a final opportunity for qualification to the Irish national squad ahead of the European Short Course Championships taking place in Istanbul, Turkey in December.

14 year old swimming sensation Sycerika McMahon of Leander Swimming Club set a new Irish Junior Record, finishing in 4:14.90 in the final of the women's 400m Freestyle, taking 2 seconds off the previous mark set by Bethany Carson at last years Irish Short Course Nationals.

In the final of the women's 200m Backstroke, 2008 Olympian Aisling Cooney of ESB Swimming Club took gold in a time of 2:12.02, well ahead of the rest of the field. Grace Sweeney of Glenalbyn Swimming Club won Silver (2:19.54) with Wendy O'Neill of Aer Lingus third (2:22.63)

In the men's event Colm Dowling of Waterford Crystal was just 1.17 seconds off Donal O'Neill's national senior record and took gold in a time of 1.59.39. Second place went to Niall Wynn of St. Pauls (2.09.11) with William Ensor of Westwood SC third (02.10.01).

Conor Leaney of Larne was first home in the final of the men's 400m Freestyle in a time of 3:54.19. Second was Edward O'Neill of Aer Lingus (4:00.66) with third place going to Seamus Stacey of NUI, Maynooth Devils (4:05.23).

The day concluded with the finals of the men's and women's 400m Freestyle relays. NUI, Maynooth were unlucky to finish just outside the Irish Senior Record in the men's final, finishing in a time of 3:27.85. Aer Lingus finished second with Ards Swimming Club in third place. The women's event was won by ESB Swimming Club in a time of 3:56.57 ahead of Aer Lingus in second and Glenalbyn in third .

Swim Ireland is supported by the Irish Sports Council

Full results below and available on the Swim Ireland website www.swimireland.ie

For further information contact
Chantal Gibney
Swim Ireland
086-3817933