Swimming:Swim Ireland today announced their seven-strong team for the European Short Course Championships which take place in Helsinki from December 7th-10th.
"The European Short Course Championship is always a tough event," said team coach Keith Bewley. "Every country can enter up to four competitors in each event so getting through the trials and into finals events is challenging but also a great learning experience for our swimmers.
"This year's team ranges from experienced competitors such as Barry Murphy, who broke three Irish records in the Europeans during the summer, and Andrew Bree, who performed very well in the Commonwealth Games.
"At the other end of the scale, Karl Burgess, who is just 17-years-old, will be competing in this Championship for the first time and, following on from his strong performance in the European Junior Championships this summer, will potentially set some new Irish Junior records in Helsinki.
"All in all, we will be hoping for a strong showing and that our swimmers will benefit from the experience."
Ireland Swimming team:
Andrew Bree (Ards SC) - 50m, 100m, 200m breaststroke
Barry Murphy (CRC SC) - 50m, 100m freestyle; 50m, 100m
breaststroke 100m medley
Jill Nesbitt (Bangor SC) - 200m, 400m, 800m freestyle
Karl Burdis (Portmarnock SC) - 50m, 100m, 200m backstroke,
100m freestyle
Melanie Nocher (City of Belfast SC) - 50m, 100m, 200m
backstroke, 100m freestyle, 100m medley
Shane Aherne (Templeogue SC) - 100m, 200m backstroke, 400m
medley
Sinead Tyrrell (Cormorant SC) - 400m, 800m freestyle, 400m
medley, 200m butterfly
Team Staff:
Keith Bewley and Mary Garvey (Coaches)
Ruth O'Connor (Physio)
Alan Nocher and Betty Beattie (Managers)