Irish swimmers continued to put on a show across Europe, delivering a number of standout performances.
In Barcelona, the penultimate day of the 2026 Para Swimming World Series concluded, with both Luke O’Donoghue, Kerry, and Ellie Lynch competing in Youth Finals. O’Donoghue delivered the standout performance of the night, claiming a youth silver medal.
The Kingdom man secured Ireland’s third medal of the meet, winning silver in the 100m Breaststroke Youth Final (S9). O’Donoghue clocked a new lifetime best of 1:10.21, shaving nearly a second and a half off his morning swim to finish second on the podium.
Speaking after his medal win, the Kerry native said: “I’m feeling very good after that. I came into this meet not expecting to PB after only having surgery a few weeks ago, so I'm absolutely delighted. I can't wait to step onto that podium - it was always a goal of mine to win a medal here, and now we’ve done it. My mom and my gran are here; they are my number one fans. My mom takes me to training and every competition, and she helps out with coaching, so she's brilliant.”
Ellie Lynch was also in action, appearing in her second youth final of the week. The Celtic Waves swimmer finished sixth overall in the 100m Backstroke Youth Final (S9) with a time of 1:12.20. Lynch will return for one more day of racing, competing in the 50m Freestyle (S9).
Speaking after the race, Lynch said: “I think it's definitely a learning experience. It wasn't the result I was hoping for, but I can build on it. There are things I need to work on and improve, and it’s all part of the process. Even just wearing the Irish cap is an achievement, so I'm not too worried about the time tonight - I'm just proud to be here.”
Earlier, Barry McClements continued his preparation with his sights set on the Irish Open in two weeks’ time, clocking 1:07.97 in the 100m Backstroke heats (S9). Meanwhile, Sam Black (14) and Luke Brennan (S8) recorded new personal bests in the same event, while Maya Hogan posted a time of 1:32.27 in the S10 class.
In Paris there was a stunning new Irish Senior Record set by John Shortt in the 200m Backstroke.
Competing at the Giant Open Meet, the National Centre (Limerick) swimmer continued to ramp up his preparation for the upcoming Irish Open in just over two weeks' time, setting a new standard in the 200m Backstroke final with a time of 1:56.07, also claiming top spot on the podium. The time broke the previous record of 1:56.19 set by Shortt last August on his way to World Junior gold in Romania.
Also in Paris, Ellen Walshe won her second consecutive silver medal following her time of 2:09.19 in the 200m Butterfly final. Ellie McCartney was another Irish swimmer to reach the podium for the second consecutive day, winning silver in the 200m Breaststroke final with a time of 2:24.51.
Saturday 21st March – Results
100m Backstroke (S9) Luke O’Donoghue H: 1:11.67 F: 1:10.21 (PB,3)
100m Backstroke (S9) Ellie Lynch H: 1:22.40 F: 1:23.20 (6)
100m Backstroke (S9) Barry McClements H: 1:07.97
100m Backstroke (S10) Maya Hogan H: 1:32.27
100m Backstroke (S14) Sam Black H: 1:08.28 (PB)
400m Freestyle (S8) Luke Brennan H: 5:26.15 (PB)
