PARALYMPICS Irelands Paralympic Swimming Team Departs for Reykjavik

16 Oct 2009


The Irish Paralympic Swimming Team of 11 athletes and staff departed Dublin Airport this afternoon for the 2009 IPC European Swimming Championships to be held in Reykjavik, Iceland from 15th - 25th October, 2009.


The team, led by Team Manager Mary McDonnell and coached by Head of Paralympic Swimming Dave Malone, is a blend of new and experienced athletes including Paralympic silver medallist, Darragh McDonald and Paralympic Finalist, Ellen Keane. Speaking at the team's departure, Paralympic Performance Director, Nancy Chillingworth said "This is a young but very well prepared team and I have the utmost confidence in their ability to perform to a high level".


Head of Paralympic Swimming, Dave Malone speaking at their departure said "I am very pleased with the teams preparation. This is the first big test for our swimmers since Beijing. They are a young team, they have trained hard and their attitude is very positive. I believe they have the ability to produce great results".


The Championships, which will be held in the Laugardalslaug Complex, Reykjavik, will commence on 18th October and will run until the 24th October.


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



Irish Team for the 2009 IPC European Swimming Championships

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



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