Irish teams for Dublin 2018 and Berlin 2018 named

Paralympics Ireland have revealed their swimming and athletics teams for August’s European Championships..

The unveiling took place at Dublin’s Swords Castle, with less than 50 days to go until the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships from 13-19 August. The Championships, also in Dublin, will be the first major international Para sporting event to be held Ireland.

Eight swimmers will represent the host nation at Dublin 2018, including Rio 2016 Paralympic bronze medallist Ellen Keane (S9). Joining her are fellow Rio Paralympians Ailbhe Kelly (S8), James Scully (S5) and Nicole Turner (S6). Patrick Flanagan (S6), Barry McClements (S9), Jonathan McGrath (S8) and Sean O’Riordan (S13) complete the rosters.

“We believe that the two squads are ready to compete very well for European glory. These are two important events for our athletes as they all look to Tokyo 2020 which is coming around very quickly."

The celebration at Swords Castle was also a send-off for the swimming team as they head to a training camp in Portugal.

Ireland will also send a 10-strong squad to the World Para Athletics European Championships from 20-26 August in Berlin, Germany.

Niamh McCarthy is fresh off smashing the women’s discus F41 European record in May’s Grand Prix in Rieti, Italy. Also competing in discus are Orla Barry (F57) and Noelle Lenihan (F38).

The world’s fastest Paralympian Jason Smyth will contest over the men’s 100m and 200m T13, as will Orla Comerford in the women’s equivalent. Paul Keoghan will also hope to produce a fast result in the men’s 200m T37.

Greta Streimikyte (T13), David Leavy (T38) and Patrick Monahan (T53) will race over 1,500m, with Jordon Lee making his European debut in the high jump T47.

Paralympics Ireland President, John Fulham, said: “We believe that the two squads are ready to compete very well for European glory. These are two important events for our athletes as they all look to Tokyo 2020 which is coming around very quickly.

“Hosting the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships in Dublin is a great boost to Para sports in Ireland. This is an opportunity to put Para sports on a pedestal and to give young, budding Paralympians the opportunity to come and see their role models compete in person. I believe our squad of swimmers are a great combination of experience and potential that will give our country something to be really proud of this summer.”