Galway’s Niamh Connery has achieved European qualification after achieving the qualification standard at last week’s Irish Open.
The talented breaststroker from Shark Swimming Club claimed two junior gold medals and a senior bronze medal at the Irish Open. Her senior podium finish came in a highly competitive field as she placed behind Olympic medallist Mona McSharry and European medallist Ellie McCartney.
A student at Salerno Secondary School, Niamh faces a demanding few months ahead as she balances preparations for summer competition under Shark Swimming Club Head Coach Ross Coll, alongside her Leaving Certificate exams and an important decision regarding whether to remain in Ireland or pursue preseason training opportunities in the United States next year.
This year’s European competition will take place in Munich, marking an incredible milestone as 2026 becomes Niamh’s fourth consecutive year qualifying to represent Ireland at major summer championships. Her international journey began in 2023 when she competed at the European Youth Olympic Festival.
The Irish Open proved to be a hugely successful meet overall for Shark Swimming Club. Six swimmers qualified to compete among a field of 350 of the fastest national and international athletes: Niamh Connery, Katie Kelly, Eoin Connery, Neysa Connolly, Killian Banks and Ewan Dickson.
Across the competition, Shark swimmers delivered exceptional performances, competing in 21 heats and progressing to an impressive 19 finals.
