THE IASA persist with its "immovable" dates for the national championships in Belfast, regardless of next month's Olympic Games swimming events being in progress at the same time.
The matter has been raised at AGM level but no appreciable objection was forthcoming. Secretary Celia Millane understands the main reason for this lies in the fact that teams will be travelling to events outside the country in a crowded fixtures schedule.
It is, however, an extraordinary clash and some feel that the IASA authorities have demonstrated a great lack of flexibility in responding.
The national championships will run from July 23rd to 28th. In deference to Ireland's five competitors set to compete in Atlanta a sixth, Colin Lowth, is still likely an Ulster source suggests that a large screen to show the Atlanta events could be set up in the Grove Baths. There are reservations however about the wisdom of such an idea. At best it would create a distraction and serve to emphasise more fully a regrettable clash.
Lowth, 19, from Drogheda, will not mind missing out on the nationals if it means he will be in Atlanta. He promises to clinch his inclusion for the Games during the Scottish championships in Edinburgh this week. His performance in the 200 metres butterfly puts him inside the B qualification mark with 2:04.41, set when second at the Grand prix meet in Sheffield recently.
Butterfly is Lowth's number one event and in Edinburgh the Cormorant man will be competing in his favourite discipline at 50, 100 and 200 metres. He will also be involved in the 200 and 400 freestyle.
Also involved in Edinburgh will be Fergus Bailie, Michael Williamson, Graham Beegan, Niall Moraghan, Kieran Kearney, Stephen Saunders, Aoife Fitzgerald, Emma Robinson, Niamh Cawley, Mary Corless, Gail Hamilton, Karen Mitchell and Louise Robinson. The coaches are Miriam Page and Liam Murphy.
A five strong team has been chosen to represent Ireland at the European junior championships in Copenhagen in August. They are Brian Gibson, Graham Beegan, Claire Nixon, Niamh Cawley and Leonore Kelleher.
Chantal Gibney's performances will be observed with special interest at next month's British age group championships at Crystal Palace. Also named for this event are Michael Kelleher, Michael Williamson, David Roche, Muiris Reidy, Finian Lodge, Damien Ketchum, Michelle Burke, Lorna Reddin, Nicola Pepper, Karen Marshall, Emma Leggett and Lynne Donnelly.
By far the most defining feature of last weekend's competitions was the second place secured by the Connacht boys team in the junior interprovincial championships. Leinster cleaned up in both categories again and the Connacht girls finished ahead of Munster.
