Euros are next for Mona
Grange star Mona McSharry, who has been boosted by her Olympic Consideration Time, will compete at the European Swimming Championships in Budapest
WITH a life-changing Olympic Consideration Time clocked, an achievement which has brought this Grange star that much closer to Tokyo, swimmer Mona McSharry has Budapest in her sights next.
The European Swimming Championships are taking place in Budapest, Hungary next month (May 17-23) and north Sligo’s swimming sensation is set to take part.
McSharry was one of the stars at last week’s Swim Ireland Irish National Team Trials at the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin.
She achieved the qualification standard time for the Olympic Games women’s 100 metres breaststroke, which is her main event, twice breaking the target time of 1:07.07. McSharry’s time in the final of the 100 metres breaststroke, 1:06.29, currently put her ninth in the world.
The University of Tennessee student, one of four Irish swimmers to post an OCT (Olympic Consideration Time) at this meet, also set new Irish records in the 100 metres and 200 metres.
In the 200 metres breaststroke heats her swim of 2:25.92, which took over a second off her Irish record, was just four tenths of a second from the Olympic Consideration Time for this category (2:25.52).
She then posted a time of 2:27.44 in the semi-finals but didn’t compete in last Saturday’s final.
Also getting an OCT were Daniel Wiffen, Darragh Greene and Shane Ryan.
The upcoming European Swimming Championships are another opportunity for Ireland’s leading swimmers to achieve the qualifying times for the Tokyo Olympics, with the focus in Budapest on relay categories.
To increase the qualification chances for Irish swimmers, Swim Ireland have the option of holding another team trial event in June. Swimmers can also nominate a FINA-approved event elsewhere to attempt and secure the elusive times. The official confirmation of Team Ireland is still months away although, barring any unforeseen situation, McSharry is as good as on the plane for Japan.
Jon Rudd, Swim Ireland’s National Performance Director, was pleased by the performances at the Swim Ireland Irish National Team Trials, a meet that saw McSharry impress.
He said: “We can reflect on another significant and positive step forwards for Irish swimming, across a number of areas with much to be pleased with. “To have five FINA ‘A’ Olympic Qualifying times achieved at this stage from four athletes is a good place to
TOP CLASS: Mona McSharry.
be at this time, with two stages of our Olympic nomination process still to come.”
“There have been some agonising near misses across the five days and those fine margins are the very essence of performance sport. Twelve Irish Senior Records have also been broken, another indicator that the nation continues to evolve.”
He continued: “I am delighted that the event itself has run so successfully in such highly demanding and difficult times.”
“Athletes and coaches have not had it easy over the last 13 months and the performances are testament to their resilience and their dedication. The job is not yet done for Tokyo – but the foundations are set.”
the balance at 0-0, Rovers’ secretary Brendan Lacken spotted myself and Alan Finn discussing what didn’t happen in the opening 45 minutes and what might happen in the next 45. “Lads, ye looked worried,” said Brendan. “Worried sick,” I replied. Rovers lost 1-0.
SUNDAY: APRIL 25
ANOTHER glorious mixture of sunshine, blue skies and tolerable temperatures (warm but not sweaty pits warm). I fear there’s a hefty price to pay for this good weather. Hopefully the trade off isn’t a few bad results for the Bit O’Red.
Indeed, I woke up this morning annoyed that Rovers had drawn 1-1 at home with Derry. Then I remembered that it was worse than that. Even my mother, whose League of Ireland interest is fleeting at best, appeared genuinely disappointed when she remarked on Rovers’ first dip in fortunes of 2021 during a phone conversation.
Just when I think that I can’t be disappointed any further by United, they let me down by crawling to a 0-0 draw with Leeds. Another game that was
UNDERAGE TRAINING
It is great to see the children back on the pitch this week. All children must be registered before they can join training and this can be done through www.foireann.ie. If anyone has difficulty with the process, please contact Michelle McMorrow on 087 6157455.
NATIONAL CLUB DRAW
There has been a great response to the
GAA’s National Club Draw, with Shamrock Gaels keeping 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales. A final appeal is being made to anyone who still has to return tickets to do so this week to Mary Quinn.
PRIZE WINNERS
The club are doing ‘catch up’ draws for its members. The winners of the December draw were Brian McDermott, Cormac Kearns and Mary B Quinn.
CONDOLENCES
Sympathy is extended to the Callaghan family, relatives and friends on the passing of Kathleen Callaghan, Lisconny. The Callaghan family have been great supporters and contributors to the club down through the years. 50-50 DRAW
The club’s latest 50/50 draw took place on April 19. Dillon Walsh was the winner of the prize (€285). The next draw takes place this Monday evening, May 3. Entry costs are €5 (one ticket), €8 (two tickets), €10 (three tickets) and €20 (six tickets). Tickets can be purchased by accessing myclubshub.com.
COACHING/TRAINING
The club’s Gaelic football nursery for boys and girls (ages four to seven) resumes this Saturday, May 1, at Connolly Park (10am start). Anyone seeking further details should contact Thomas Kerins on 086 8190656 or Seamie Cannon 087 9630048. Children born in late 2014 that may not be yet strong enough for the U-8 grade are also welcome to take part.
The Boys U-9 panel begin training this Saturday at 10am. Although catering for players born in 2012 and 2013, those born in 2014 can choose to play at this level if they feel strong enough to do so.
Training for the Girls U-8 squad (players born in 2013 and 2014) is on Tuesday evenings (6-7pm). Any girls born in 2015 that feel strong enough are welcome to come along – they can also partake in the Gaelic football nursery on Saturdays. Training for the Girls U-10 panel resumes this evening, Thursday, at Connolly Park (7pm).
CONDOLENCES
The club extends sympathy to the family of Kathleen Callaghan, Lisconny, whose death occurred in the past week.