Rising Star Dearbhail McNamara Through To European Final In Holland

In front of a capacity crowd at one of Holland's premier venues Ireland's Dearbhail McNamara has made it through to the 200m Breaststroke Final at European Junior Swimming Championships in Dordrecht.

The 16 year old, going in the first semi-final, a tight run and very exciting race, placed third in 2:33.63 and then had an anxious wait as the second semi-final took place, but she had done enough and to secure her a place in tomorrow's final.

Speaking after the race McNamara said "I'm absolutely delighted. My aim this year was to come to Dordrecht and make the final. I really enjoyed the race, it wasn't a perfect swim and there are some things I can work on, I'm very excited and focused for the Final."

McNamara from Mayo, had qualified for tonight's semi-final from the morning heats in 2 minutes 33.09 seconds, just off her best of 2:32.95 that she swam at Irish Nationals in April. The time ranked her eighth going into the semi-final.

Peter Banks Swim Ireland National Performance Director commented "It's a great result for Dearbhail, we're delighted to see all of her hard work paying off, the whole team are looking forward to the final tomorrow".

Danielle Hill was the first Irish swimmer in action this morning. Hill won her heat of the 400m Freestyle shaving over two seconds off her previous best and touched in 4:32.02. Ben Griffin was just off his best in the 200m Butterfly finishing in 2:06.47 and placing 17th overall, just 1 spot off the semi-final.

Niamh Kilgallen and James Brown were close to their best times in the 200m Breaststroke and 200m Individual Medley. Kilgallen won her heat of the 200m Breaststroke in 2:36.66 while James Brown put in an impressive performance in the 200m Individual Medley coming home in 2:07.96.

Laoise Fleming, Gemma Kane and Emma Reid all return to action tomorrow with Niamh Kilgallen and Danielle Hill, while Griffin and Brown will return on Saturday for the 100m Butterfly.

Competition continues until Sunday. Press Releases will be issued daily.

Results Day 1:
Danielle Hill 400m Freestyle 4:32.02 (35th)
Ben Griffin 200m Butterfly 2:06.47 (17th)
Dearbhail McNamara 200m Breaststroke H 2:33.09 (8th) SF 2:33.63 (7th)
Niamh Kilgallen 200m Breaststroke 2:36.66 (19th)
James Brown 200m IM 2:07.96 (29th)

Tomorrow's Races:
Heats
50m Backstroke Danielle Hill, Emma Reid, Laoise Fleming
200m Freestyle Laoise Fleming
100m Butterfly Gemma Kane, Emma Reid, Niamh Kilgallen
4x100m Medley Relay Ireland Women