Four Irish swimmers have booked their spots in this evening’s finals on Day 3 of the IPC European Open Swim Championships in Funchal, Portugal.
First into the pool for the Irish was 23-year-old James Scully in the 200m Freestyle S5 heat this morning where he finished in a time of 2.54.76 to book his spot in this evening’s final. Portarlington native, Nicole Turner – who scooped a European silver medal on Monday evening in the 200m IM SM6 – continued her impressive form in the heats of the 100m Freestyle S6 this morning, when she touched home in a time of 1.19.91 to ensure another final later today.
Ellen Keane was up next in the Women’s 100m Freestyle S9 and booked her spot in the final in a time of 1.14.36, while fellow Dubliner Ailbhe Kelly also secured a Personal Best in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley S8 heat when she touched home in a time of 3.30.10 to ensure an appearance in this evening’s final.
Elsewhere, 14-year-old Barry McClements hit the pool for the Men’s 100m Freestyle S9 and finished in a new Personal Best time of 1.07.57, but just missed out on a spot in the final, though remains as first reserve for this evening. Meanwhile, Clare man Jonathan McGrath also secured a new Personal Best in the Men’s 200m Individual in a time of 2.55.52 but also missed out on a final spot.
A live stream of the event is available here, and you can check out our video and Soundcloud interviews with the athletes available here and here.
You can also follow our updates on Twitter here.
The Irish team is proudly sponsored by Allianz, an official sponsor of Paralympics Ireland.
The schedule for this evening’s finals is as follows:
(PLEASE NOTE: These times are subject to change)
5pm – James Scully (Men’s 200m Freestyle S5)
5.31pm – Nicole Turner (Women’s 100m Freestyle S6)
5.40pm – Ellen Keane (Women’s 100m Butterfly S9)
6.07pm – Ailbhe Kelly (Women’s 200m Individual Medley SM8)
NOTE: Barry McClements is first reserve for his final, so could be swimming should another swimmer not compete. The schedule for his event is:
5.36pm – Men’s 100m Butterfly S9
