A team announcement can often read like administration. Names, dates, venues, coaches, formalities. This one carries a little more weight.
Róisín Ní Riain will lead a ten-strong Irish team to the World Para Swimming European Championships in Kocaeli, Türkiye, from September 7 to 12. Around her is a squad that says something about where Irish Para swimming is now: medals already won, championship experience already gathered, and six swimmers about to step into senior international waters for the first time.
Ní Riain is the obvious centre of gravity. The two-time Paralympic medallist heads to Türkiye after a superb 2024 European Championships in Madeira, where she won six medals, two gold, two silver and two bronze. She will aim to defend her S13 100m Backstroke and SB13 100m Breaststroke European titles.
Dearbhaile Brady is another established figure in the group. She won bronze in Madeira before adding silver and bronze at the 2025 World Championships. Paris Paralympian Deaten Registe has also been selected, while Síomha Nic Brádaigh returns to the international stage with Commonwealth Games and World Championships experience behind her.
Ellie Lynch and Elodie Batesonare are the two women set to make senior international championship debuts. Maya Hogan had been selected but has withdrawn through illness.
Swim Ireland National Performance Director Andy Reid framed it as a benchmark on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
“This team reflects the continued growth and strength of Para Swimming in Ireland,” Reid said. “We’re fortunate to have athletes with proven championship pedigree alongside a group of exciting young swimmers who have earned their opportunity to compete on the senior international stage.”
National Para Swimming Head Coach Hayley Burke said the group had prepared well, with the Championships offering debutants a chance to test themselves against Europe’s best and established swimmers another opportunity to compete for finals and medals.
