Cawley shows value of 50-metre pool

Niamh Cawley's move from Claremorris to Bath to train in a 50-metre pool was clearly reflected in her best performance in the heats of the 100 metres freestyle at the European senior championships in Istanbul yesterday.

The young Irish international set a time of 59.88 seconds, a major step forward in her development over the sprint distance.

Andrew Bree of Newtownards, disqualified in the 100 metres breaststroke on Monday, clocked two minutes 14.97 seconds in the 200 metres individual medley.

Unfortunately, there was further evidence of Nick O'Hare's loss of form when he was outside his best with 53.89 seconds in the 100 metres freestyle. Chantal Gibney (58.41) was also expecting better in the corresponding women's heats.

Meanwhile, Stephen Manley of Terenure College put down a marker following his exceptional performances in last weekend's National Open championships at the Grove Baths in Belfast.

Manley, who looks set for a great career, won five individual titles and enhanced Terenure's exciting wins in two senior and two junior relay triumphs. His range of winning performances makes him the most successful junior competitor at the championships for decades.

Terenure College coach Kevin Williamson, the former double Olympian, regrets that his own Irish records are being consigned to history under the new Swim Ireland ruling. But any sadness is overshadowed by his delight with the rejuvenated swimming strengths of a club that once ruled the roost on the domestic front under the care of his late father Larry.

Manley led the Terenure challenge in Belfast gaining encouraging results from 100 metres individual medley to the 1,500 metres.

Graham Beegan also showed exceptional form especially in the 200 metres IM, and Muiris Reidy also impressed.

Sweden's Anna-Karin Kammerling set the first world record of the European Championships yesterday. Kammerling won the women's 50 butterfly in 26.29 seconds, beating the world mark of 26.39 she set in Sweden on July 1st.