SWIMMING:A SEVEN-STRONG Irish squad have been announced by Swim Ireland to compete at the Dutch National championships in Eindhoven, which start tomorrow and end on Sunday.

The squad selected by national coach Keith Bewley comprises Aishling Cooney, Melanie Nocher, Barry Murphy, Fiona Doyle, Karl Burdis, Lorna Cummings and Brian Harrison.

The Olympic Council of Ireland's (OCI) date for final nominations from Swim Ireland for the Beijing Games has been set for Wednesday, July 9th, and this week's meet in The Netherlands represents perhaps the final opportunity for Irish swimmers to make the qualifying standard demanded by the OCI.

The OCI, however, have relaxed their demand for Fina A qualification times in order to qualify for the Games, as they have told the Irish governing body that they may well consider those close to A times if they are potential London 2012 competitors.

"The decision as to whether or not we will send swimmers to Beijing is now in the hands of Swim Ireland," said Jack McGowran of the OCI.

"When they put forward names for consideration we will look at their potential to take part in the London games in our decision to allow them to join Andrew Bree in China.

"If they make the A standard then they will go, but those close to the qualification mark could also be considered as we feel that Irish swimming needs a boost considering the trials and tribulations that has surrounded the sport in the last few years."

Cooney is the closest to the time demanded, as the 18-year-old Dubliner swam a time just 0.52 of a second shy of the standard in the 100 metres backstroke at the recent Irish Nationals last month.

She and Nocher will compete in the 50, 100 and 200 metres backstroke in Eindhoven, with Nocher looking to improve on the times she swam in Dublin where the City of Belfast swimmer was beaten in both the 100 and 200 backstroke by Cooney.

Barry Murphy is looking to bounce back from an indifferent European championships as he competes in the 50 and 100 freestyle, as well as the 100 metres breaststroke.

The Tennessee University-based Dubliner, had hoped to make the Games at the Europeans, also held in Eindhoven, and then returned to the US for training ahead of this week's meet in The Netherlands.

Karl Burdis, who is the top Irish backstroker with numerous national records to his name, will swim the 50, 100 and 200 metres back in Holland, with Brian Harrison competing in the 100, 200 and 400 metres freestyle.

Fiona Doyle will take part in the 50 metres freestyle as well as the 100 and 200 metres breaststroke, while Lorna Cummings will compete in the 50, 100 and 200 metres butterfly and the 200 and 400 metres medley.

As the Games will have heats in the evening and finals in the mornings to suit US television, the Dutch Nationals will follow suit with their championships, which are also Olympic trials, starting with the first batch of heats tomorrow evening.