SWIMMING Dave McCullagh Memorial Gala Kicks off at the UL Arena

The Dave McCullagh Memorial Gala got under way today at the UL Arena at the University of Limerick. This three day event brings together Ireland's top swimmers to compete for national honours in the first competition of 2010. The competition also provides an opportunity for qualification to the Irish national squad ahead of the major international competitions this summer, the European LC Championships in Budapest this August, The European Juniors in Helsinki and the World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

The first event of the weekend was the women's 800m freestyle, with four UL High Performance swimmers lining up in a strong final heat which also featured Leander swimmer Sycerika McMahon. Victory went to Grainne Murphy of Limerick SC in a time of 8:44.95. Second place was taken by visiting Slovenian swimmer Tjasa Oder in 8:52.36 with third going to Nuala Murphy of Trojan SC in 8:53.55.

Next up was the men's 1,500m freestyle. First place went to Andrew Meegan of Aer Lingus SC who touched the wall in a time of 16:19.06. Second was again won by visiting swimmer, Stas Slabe of PK Fuzinar Ravne in 16:33.77, with third place won by NAC High Performance swimmer Jonathon McGee in 16:35.47, swimming for Portmarnock SC.

In the women's 400m individual medley first place went to Sycerika McMahon of Leander in a time of 4:58.78. In second place was Tjasa Oder in 4:59.65 and third was Alison Todd of City of Belfast who touched in a time of 5:08.69. The final event of the evening was the men's 400m individual medley. This was won by Niall Wynn of St Paul's SC in a time of 4:37.52. Second place went to William Ensor of Westwood SC in 4:43.59 with Nicholas Quinn of Castlebar in third in 4:43.74. The competition continues tomorrow and Sunday.

Swim Ireland is supported by the Irish Sports Council