Sport

Big date set for Dublin

SWIMMING: There is a strong sense of a "coming of age" in Swim Ireland circles following the opening of the National Aquatic…

Pat Roche
Tue Nov 18 2003 - 00:00

SWIMMING: There is a strong sense of a "coming of age" in Swim Ireland circles following the opening of the National Aquatic Centre, Abbotstown, which set to house next month's European Short Course championships.

Details of what is the first major international swim event ever to be staged in Ireland were announced at the centre yesterday and, with entries from 40 nations confirmed, the championships have already set a new European record.

World and defending champions pack the line-ups for the 36 titles on offer. Shaun Quinn, CEO of home sponsors Bord Fáilte, says: "With up to 850 competitors and coaches travelling to Dublin for the championships the event will provide a welcome out of season tourism boost for the capital."

World freestyle champion Peter van Hoogenband is included in the formidable 14-strong Dutch team. Britain, one of the largest teams set to compete include defending champions Alison Sheppard, Sarah Price, Kathy Sexton and world champion James Gibson.

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The championships will go out on live television throughout the continent and TG4 will broadcast two hours of action each day during the competition dates of December 11th to 14th.

The experienced Andrew Bree of Ards ASC heads off Ireland's male entry with Steven Manley of Terenure College also adding his knowledge of the big event to buttress the home challenge.

Bangor SC team mates Emma Robinson and Julie Douglas along with Chantal Gibney (Terenure College) and Lee Kelleher of Cork's Sundays Well contribute likewise to the women's bid.

A prize fund of €35,000 is already available for the placed swimmers and LEN sponsors and partners Omega will again be donating "Seamaster" watches to the successful competitors.

IRELAND TEAM: Men - Andrew Bree (Ards), Stephen Manley (Terenure College), Donal O'Neill (Trojan), Muiris Ó Riada (Trojan), Michael Williamson (Lisburn).

Women - Julie Douglas (Bangor), Emma Robinson (Bangor), Chantal Gibney (Terenure College), Clare Hogan (St Pauls), Lee Kelleher (Sundays Well), Melanie Nocher (City of Belfast), Sinead Tyrrell (Cormorant SC).