Young Irish Swimmers Rise to the Challenge on Day 1 of the Celtic Tri Nations 2013

The Celtic Tri Nations kicked off today in the Dollan Aquatic Centre, East Kilbride Scotland. As reigning champions Ireland were hungry to claim the highest points on offer and produced a number of top swims.

Olympian Barry Murphy took to the blocks for the 100m Breaststroke as the Irish points-scorer representative. The Dubliner produced a swim of 1.04.97 which placed him 4th. It was big asking for Murphy to lower his season's best, having achieved it less than two weeks ago where he was a mere 0.5 off the World Championships qualifying time.
Barry will also compete in the 50m Freestyle and Breaststroke events over the course of the weekend.

Jane Roberts of Kilkenny Swimming Club put in an impressive display of speed in the 50m Backstroke. Her swim in a time of 30.01 was a new Irish Junior Record and a 1st place finish.

Also in action was Limerick Performance Centre's swimmer Brian O'Sullivan, who finished 2nd in the 50m Backstroke in 27.11. Curtis Coulter of Ards SC and David O'Sullivan of Galway SC also finished 2nd behind Scotland and Wales respectively.

Fourteen year old Niamh Kilgallen, who qualified for the European Youth Olympic Festival earlier this year, produced an impressive swim in the 100m Breaststroke resulting in a bronze medal finish.