ELLEN WALSHE WILL lead a 13-strong Ireland team at the World Aquatics Championships in Hungary next month.
The championships take place in Budapest from 10-15 December.
Walshe was a finalist in the women’s 400m individual medley at the Paris Olympics, and will be Ireland’s leading hope of a medal in Hungary having taken silver in the 2021 World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Walshe recently set an Irish senior record in the 100m individual medley.
Fellow Olympians Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry have both opted not to compete in Hungary.
Olympic semi-finalist and current European champion Danielle Hill is included, along with Olympic semi-finalist Tom Fannon, three-time Olympian Shane Ryan and Max McCusker.
2024 European Championships finalists Evan Bailey, Jack Cassin, Eoin Corby, Nathan Wiffen, Lottie Cullen, Ellie McCartney and John Shortt are also set to compete in Budapest.
Jon Rudd, Swim Ireland’s National Performance Director said: “In the months following an Olympic Games, this event is a very individualised affair, with some athletes ready and raring to go again and others needing additional time to regroup and refresh after a hectic summer, particularly one which proved to be the best ever for Ireland in Olympic waters.
“And this will be the same the world over, so we will see some events Budapest boast familiar names and some events where breakthroughs can very much be made and opportunities taken.
“Irish swimming is in great shape, brimming with confidence and this is a very exciting group of athletes to take into a Championships such as this as we build towards the 50m-pool version of the event in Singapore next summer.”
2024 World Aquatics Championships (25m), Budapest, Hungary
- Evan Bailey
- Jack Cassin
- Eoin Corby
- Niamh Coyne
- Charlotte Cullen
- Tom Fannon
- Danielle Hill
- Ellie McCartney
- Max McCusker
- Shane Ryan
- John Shortt
- Ellen Walshe
- Nathan Wiffen
Limerick again
Pretty rough on Offaly winning the McDonagh and as consequence facing the tougher opponents. Hard to fancy anyone other than Limerick. I said it to myself the minute after they won the All-Ireland last season. All them injured men returning this time only makes them stronger!
Laois will give Wexford a rattle. Big mental defeat for Clare today. Joe McDonagh competition is strong which shouldn’t be changed. The 2nd tier football competition could learn from it and only have 12 teams playing for Sam Maguire, relegate the rest.
@Alan: Doubt it. Expect Wexford to beat them well. The Joe Mcdonagh is dreadful standard. It’s competitive but that’s not the same as strong. You have Munster and Killkenny. Forget about the rest. They are miles off.
@Ray Ridge: give over you know it all!! Arrogance pouring out of your veins
@Dan Delaney: He’s not wrong, name another team outside of munster or Kilkenny with any hope of winning. I’d be absolutely gobsmacked if it isn’t cork, clare, limerick or kilkenny.
2 good semis to look forward too. Top 4 in country. Limerick v Clare and Killkenny v Clare.
@Ray Ridge: Limerick v Cork and Killkenny v Clare.
I think Wexford can snare Clare assuming they beat Laois. Cork vs limerick should be good too assuming cork beat offaly.
I think most hurling fans would have predicted a Kilkenny vs Limerick final at the start of the year and it is still looking likely at this stage of the season.
I think if that happens Kilkenny will put limerick to the pin of their collar but limerick will prevail.
I do agree Clare will struggle from today, expect Wexford to win that. Kilkenny got no match yesterday and that’s not what they wanted.
Cork could be dangerous but experience on the big occasion will cost them.
It’s Corks year, Kiely and the old boys are going back to the hurling wilderness as the JP era is coming to a close.
Unreal team since 2018 and without doubt the best team so far this century.
Limerick have been an unbelievable team since 2018 but their fans can focus on booking their summer holidays from July 7th and all summers going forward.
Twas great to have Limerick enjoy a run of success as it freshened the hurling up.
Hopefully Offaly can carry on the baton from Limerick and put it up to the traditional counties.