GER DOYLE'S homework oh this week's European Short-Course Championships in Rostock, Germany, at which he will be the coach to a seven-strong Irish team, had not got to be particularly thorough for him to declare: "Realistically we are not looking beyond qualifying for finals."
Doyle's assertion, before the team's departure today, sounds familiar but, nonetheless, very reasonable. It evokes an even greater sense of gratitude, owed to Michelle Smith, for demonstrating, so many times in two years, that it need not always be so.
The imposing list of entries from 30 countries reflects the suitable timing of the tests. For many stars from the Atlanta Olympics anxious to return to top-speed competition, the championships are an ideal restarting point. The championships run over three days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week.
"It's going to be very tough to reach a final given that any 16 competitors in any event will be so close on times," said Doyle.
Doyle's assessment suggests possible frustration for some of his team members. Some have times which are only fractionally below a sixth-place swimmer, but even a fractional difference could mean 17th place, or worse, overall.
Doyle welcomes the enterprise shown by the IASA in naming seven competitors. He feels all selections are justified, but adds: "It would be nice to see another girl in the team," he said. Lee Kelleher is the only girl in the side.
"Possibly, Chantal Gibney would have been a perfect choice, but again you're going on qualifying times. The three swimmers added on last week were marginally outside and Chantal was a little further away. I would have liked to see Michelle Smith and Marion Madine included."
In Michelle Smith's case, circumstances have naturally changed. While the Irish team are warming up in the specially-constructed pool at the prestigeous Scandinavium Arena, the triple Olympic champion will be in Tallaght to receive the Freedom of the County of South Dublin.
It will be Ireland's first appearance at these championships, and Doyle claims: "Because of their timing after Atlanta, we are unlikely to see more competitive championships."
It is a particularly exciting time for 14-year-old Kelleher, who is certain to benefit from the experience.
She swims in four events - 50 metres butterfly (29.5 seconds); 100 metres butterfly and 100 metres backstroke (1:03 and 1:05.17), and 200 metres butterfly (2:17.9).
Nick O'Hare is booked for 50 and 100 metres freestyle. His Olympian colleague, Adrian O'Connor, goes in the 50, 100 and 200 metres backstroke and 100 and 200 metres freestyle. Interestingly, his younger brother, Hugh, will be in opposition on the same disciplines.
Colin Lowth goes in butterfly and freestyle, Michael Giles in breaststroke and Darragh Sharkey in breaststroke and individual medleys.
Germany, the host nation, have entered the strongest team numerically with 37 competitors. At the top of their list is Sandra Volker, a dual medallist in Atlanta and twice bronze medal winner at last year's short-course championships.
Also included for the Germans is the reigning 200 metres European Champion, Kerstin Kieglass.
The O'Connors will be mindful of what could prove a highlight of the championships - the meeting of Italy's Emanuel Merisi and Germany's Ralf Braun in the backstroke.
Kelleher will be in the role of host at Millfield College, England, next month when her Munster and Leinster National squad colleagues arrive there for a week-long training camp.
The Ulster Schools' Championships at the Grove in Belfast will be another highlight of the month, as will the IASA a.g.m in Galway (January 24th-25th).
World Cup Series dates: Malmo (January 25th-26th) and Glasgow (28th-29th).
