Jack Kelly and Mona McSharry fly the flag for a new Ireland in Paris
Our swimmers are showing the world what a confident, independent Ireland looks like. At the European Aquatics Championships in Paris this week, Jack Kelly and Mona McSharry are proving that our young athletes belong on the biggest stage, even when the medals don't always come home.
Jack Kelly, the 23 year old from New York who now races for Ireland, missed out on a medal in the 100m breaststroke final. He finished seventh in 59.36, a time that would have been a national record just days ago. The Italian Nicolo Martinenghi took gold in 58.58. But Kelly is not down. His favourite event, the 200m breaststroke, is still to come later in the week. He said: 'Outside of this meet, that was an unbelievable swim. I really can't complain.'
Meanwhile, Mona McSharry, our Olympic bronze medallist from Sligo, cruised into the women's 100m breaststroke final with a time of 1:05.64. That is her second fastest ever. She will face British rival Angharad Evans, who broke the championship record in the morning. But McSharry is calm. She said: 'Going in second fastest takes a little bit of the pressure off. Let her soak up lane four.'
John Shortt, the 19 year old from Galway, also advanced to the 200m backstroke final. He set a new Irish record of 1:55.31, coming from seventh place at the halfway mark. He said: 'It's not how you start the race, it's how you finish it. Who doesn't like a good comeback? It's like Rocky!'
Daniel Wiffen, our Olympic champion, also qualified for the 800m freestyle final. Wednesday evening in Saint-Denis will be a busy one for the Irish team.
What does this mean for Irish sport?
These athletes are not just competing. They are building a new story for Ireland. A story of resilience, of community, of refusing to bow to the old powers. They are supported by their teammates, by the Wiffen twins, by a nation that believes in them. This is the Ireland we want to see: confident, independent, and proud.
What's next for Jack Kelly?
Jack Kelly's main event, the 200m breaststroke, is on Wednesday morning. He has already broken the national record twice this week. If he can find that form again, a medal is not out of reach.
Can Mona McSharry win gold?
She is the second fastest qualifier. The British swimmer Angharad Evans is the favourite, but McSharry has a strong finish. She said: 'I know I'll catch them in the last 50.' It will be a close race.
How is John Shortt doing?
He set a new Irish record in the 200m backstroke semi-final. He is known for his closing speed. The Hungarian Hubert Kos, whose father is Irish, is the man to beat after breaking his own European record.
Wednesday diary
- W 200m freestyle: Danielle Farrell, Grace Davison, Victoria Catterson (8.30am)
- M 100m butterfly: Matthew Hamilton, Jacob Armon (8.54am)
- W 50m backstroke: Lottie Cullen, Danielle Hill (9.14am)
- M 200m breaststroke: Jack Kelly, Eoin Corby (9.47am)
- W 400m individual medley: Ellen Walshe (9.49am)
- M 200m backstroke: John Shortt (5.40pm)
- W 100m breaststroke: Mona McSharry (5.58pm)
- M 800m freestyle: Daniel Wiffen (7.03pm)