PARALYMPICS PCI Announces the Irish Swimming Team for 2009 IPC European Championships

05 Aug 2009


The Paralympic Council of Ireland today officially announced the Irish team for the 2009 IPC European Swimming Championships. Six Irish swimmers will represent Ireland at the forthcoming Championships, to be held in Rejkavik, Iceland from 15th - 25th October, 2009.


Commenting on the announcement, Paralympic Council of Ireland CEO, Mr. Liam Harbison, said "We wish all our swimmers the very best of luck as they begin the road to London 2012. After the success of Beijing 2008 in the pool, it is refreshing to see new squad members coming to the fore now."


The team, led by Team Manager Mary McDonnell, sees newly appointed Head of Paralympic Swimming and former Paralympic medallist Dave Malone, take up the position as Head Coach. The team, a blend of new and experienced athletes boasts the inclusion of Paralympic silver medallist, Darragh McDonald and Paralympic Finalist, Ellen Keane. Speaking on the team announcement Head of Paralympic Swimming, Dave Malone. said: "I am looking forward to working with the athletes in my role a head coach for these European Championships. This is the beginning of a long journey towards London 2012. This is a team of very talented performers and this is a perfect opportunity for them to display their talent. "


The Irish team comprises six athletes, across a range of disability groups, who will compete in the following events:

  • Stephen Campbell, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone,
    S11 Class, 50m, 100m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke, 100m Butterfly.
  • Ellen Keane, Clontarf, Dublin,
    S9/SB8 Class, 200m Individual Medley, 100m Breaststroke, 100m Butterfly.
  • Gina Lourens, (Resident South Africa),
    S8 Class, 50m, 100m, 400m Freestyle.
  • Darragh McDonald, Gorey, Co. Wexford
    S6 Class, 50m, 100m, 400m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly
  • Laurence McGivern, Newry, Co. Down
    S9 Class, 50m, 100m, 400m Freestyle Event, 100m Backstroke.
  • Jonathan McGrath, Killaloe, Co. Clare
    S8 Class, 50m, 100m, 400m Freestyle.



The Irish Team Support Staff are:

  • Mary McDonnell Team Manager
  • Dave Malone Head Coach
  • Sandra Cole Coach
  • James Laverty B1 Guide
  • Brendan Kirrane Sports Massage Therapist



For Further Information contact Paralympic Council of Ireland Communications Officer John Fulham at email address communications@pcireland.ie Mobile 087-2709182 or visit the Paralympic Council of Ireland Website www.pcireland.ie