Kelleher nurtures the right stuff

CORK's Lee Kelleher, a superb prospect, is being groomed to carry on the legacy of Michelle Smith. At 14, she is virtually an automatic choice for Sydney 2000, having almost made it to Atlanta.

She has lived most of her 14 years in Africa because of her father's work in fisheries. She achieved an Olympic "B" qualifying time as a 13 year old for Atlanta earlier this year.

A member of the City of Cork club, Kelleher is currently on a partial scholarship to Millfield College in England, a school where a number of Olympic and European champions, in a range of sports, have been prepared.

Back in Cork for the Dolphin SC gala recently, Kelleher was voted the outstanding swimmer. This caused no surprise after she had won five events: 50 and 100 metres butterfly, 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley.

Her omission from the IASA team to compete at the Grand Prix short course championships in Leicester on November 15th, 16th and 17th did cause surprise initially, but has since been explained. The Irish star, it transpires, is tied to Millfield for the event and will be competing in their colours.

Kelleher may return to Cork to complete her education next year. After her final school year in 1998, she will take a year out to train abroad full time.

Given the facilities here and the Government's approach to having the position redressed, training for the Olympics in Ireland for anyone hoping to make the top 16 in the world would not be practical," says her father Ciaran.

Kelleher will meet up with her Munster and Leinster colleagues in Millfield in early January when, for the second year, top schools swimmers from both provinces will attend a training camp at the English college.

Meanwhile, Cork will also gain further prominence on the administrative front in January when Donal Barry becomes the sixth Dolphin club member to hold the office of president of the IASA. The association's a.g.m. takes place in Galway on January 24th and 25th.

. Three strong Irish teams will be competing at prestigious overseas events before Christmas. The programme begins on Thursday for the three day Grand Prix event in Leicester.