Record tumbles

Ireland's efforts were overshadowed by a world record on the first day of the second European short-course swimming championships in Sheffield.

The world record toppled to Thomas Ripprath of Germany over the 50 metres backstroke. He produced a winning time of 24.31 seconds.

Britain's star was undoubtedly James Hickman of Leeds. The double Commonwealth Games gold medallist banished memories of his butterfly disqualification in Kuala Lumpur to secure gold and bronze medals on the first day of competition in this majestic £56 million pool.

He won the 200 metres butterfly in a world-class time of 1.52.96, and followed this with a 100 metres individual medley third place time of 54.45 seconds.

Ireland's meagre pickings were, to say the least, disappointing in an event which attracted 35 countries to Sheffield.

Colin Lowth was placed 17th in the 200 metres butterfly behind Hickman's sparkling time, in two minutes 2.06 seconds. He responded weakly that he was "still in winter training". Emma Robinson of Bangor finished 19th in the women's 100 metres breaststroke; with Hugh O'Connor of Cork and team-mate Andrew Reid at 29th and 30th in the backstroke with times of 26.68 seconds and 27.41 seconds respectively.