The Irish Amateur Swimming Association's (IASA) confirmed its intention to enter a team in the European championships in Antwerp. It announced the team yesterday.
Remarkably there are seven officials named with the team: the Rev John Boyle, Kieran Kelleher, Carol Walsh, Sandra Cole, Keith Buchanan, Nelson Lindsay and George Morrow.
Despite the current climate of suspended Government funding, the IASA had been determined not to disappoint its juniors. A decision to suspend all international competition because of the suspension of Government funding (pending the findings of the Murphy tribunal into child abuse in the sport) does not affect the juniors.
The announcement yesterday of a seven-strong team ensures that Ireland will be represented at the prestigious event in Antwerp where many of the potential stars at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 will be in action.
Unfortunately, the four competitors from the Republic are requested to travel ill-prepared and with no monies available for pre-competition long-course squad training. Michael Williams of Lisburn and the Ards duo Andrew Bree and Mark Craig are likely to be able to use their Commonwealth Games funding to acquire proper 50-metre training. Bree, in particular, is regarded as a real prospect.
The top domestic event at the weekend is the Aer Lingus international gala at Sportsco in Dublin. Racing gets underway on Friday (3.30 p.m.) and ends on Sunday.
