DELIGHTED MONA WELCOMED HOME

THE rain may have been pouring down, but this didn’t dampen the jovial mood in Grange as superstar swimmer Mona McSharry was welcomed home following her terrific performance at the European Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, Israel.

The 16-year-old TY student touched down in Dublin Airport last Monday week and when she was driven by dad Aidan into her North Sligo hometown, hundreds were out in force, children waving flags, bunting flying high and loud cheers as Mona made her entrance.

The Grange teenager was given a hero’s welcome after her sensational performances at the Europeans, winning two Golds and a Silver and setting two Irish Senior and Junior records. She was greeted by her friends, neighbours and local athletes who turned out in huge numbers to congratulate the Grange girl who had done not only North Sligo, but her entire county and country immensely proud.

Mona told the Sligo Champion that the whole week was incredibly busy and arriving back to Sligo and seeing the crowds was overwhelming.

“It has been really busy and the Grange homecoming was really special.

“I definitely didn’t expect to see so many, it was a huge crowd and it was brilliant to see so many people turn out.”

She had only flown back from Israel earlier in the day after a hectic few days of meets, so she was understandably tired after the Championships.

Mona said: “I was exhausted, it was an extremely busy few days and I’m still recovering.”

She was back in the pool on Wednesday morning and already planning ahead for the World Championships this summer.

Before the European Championships, Mona said she hoped to medal, but didn’t think she’d be returning with two Golds and a Silver.

“I definitely didn’t think beforehand that I would do as well. Especially with the Silver in the 200m, mainly because that is not my typical race as I am more of a sprinter.

“With the 200m Breaststroke, I do enjoy it but I find it more difficult and you’re trying to control pace and that, so I was thrilled with the medal.”

The Championships began with a Gold for Mona in the 50m and from there, her medal collection expanded. “The 50m is a great one to start the meet and getting the Gold was a boost,” she added.

Some of the large crowd who turned up to welcome Mona home.

Mona with parents Viola and Aidan, brother Mouric, sister Luca and her grandmother.

Local children were eager to greet the sportstar.

Mona was greeted by hundreds of locals in Grange. Pics: Donal Hackett

Mona with her European medals.

There were huge crowds at the Grange homecoming.

Children were happily getting their picture taken with Mona.

Two Gold medals and one Silver for Mona.