New Ross teenager Hugh O'Connor confirmed his potential at the Phoenix SC open gala over the weekend to celebrate his selection on Ireland's team for the European short course championships in Lisbon in a fortnight.
O'Connor, thought to be an automatic choice for Lisbon, was surprised when only two swimmers, Emma Robinson and Andrew Reid, both from Ulster, were the only competitors confirmed for selection last week.
O'Connor's inclusion was confirmed yesterday. The team, managed by Paul Dennis of Ulster, is surprisingly small given that the Irish swimmer is best suited in the 25 metre pool. Ironically, larger teams are expected for upcoming long course events.
The highly promising Muiris O'Riada of Trojan and O'Connor's older brother, Adrian, filled the minor places all within fractions of a second off a slow 58.45 winning time for the 100 metes backcrawl.
O'Connor was again a winner at 100 metres freestyle, fractionally beating Olympian Nick O'Hare into second place. O'Hare's insistence to go it alone without a regular coach at home is perceived to be militating against his general form at this stage. He is faced with a good deal of catching up to do before his place in Team 2000 is regained.
Longford's Siobhan McNally, Stephen Manley (Terenure College) Clare Hogan (St Paul's) and Fiona Kinsella (Trojan) were other competitors to spice up the Phoenix event with notable displays.
Meanwhile, Swim Ireland are to appoint an assistant national coach to Ger Doyle. Carol Walsh, Paul Dennis and Bobbie Madine are believed to be on the short list.
