Blistering Start for Ireland in Belgrade as Swimmers Advance at Europeans

Irish swimming has turned its focus to the 2024 European Aquatics Championships, which got underway this morning in Belgrade, Serbia. Just three weeks after the Irish Open and Olympic Trials, Irish swimmers showed excellent form on the opening morning with Max McCusker, Lottie Cullen, Eoin Corby and Darragh Greene advancing to semi-finals, while Ireland Men’s 4x200m Freestyle Relay will compete in this evening’s Final.

Evan Bailey (New Ross) joined the National Centre Limerick trio of Finn McGeever, Jack Cassin and Cormac Rynn to compete in the 4×200 Freestyle Relay. The Irish quartet, which included two senior international debuts from Cassin and Rynn, clocked a combined 7:18.71 to finish second in their heat and seventh overall to advance to the European Final.

Speaking following the race, Jack Cassin said: “It was good fun, it was a new experience for me it was my first 4×200, it was good to get out there especially in the warm weather in Serbia. It’s my first Europeans (senior), I did under-23s last year so it’s a bit of a step up, it’s nice, especially with an Irish team like this.”

Speaking on racing with the Irish relay team, Cassin added: “It’s good, it adds a lot of pressure, you always want to put your best foot forward, not just for you but for the team, you want to get a good position and make the final, it’s always good fun.”

Corman Rynn, who made Irish international debut added: “I’m just delighted to be here to be honest, it’s such an honour. It’s a massive step up, this time last year I never would have guessed I’d be here, it’s an honour.”

Finn McGeever spoke on the exciting talent coming through Irish swimming: “I can’t stress how much I’m proud of the boys, to see them at their first Europeans dropping times like that is incredible, it’s a really bright future ahead for Irish swimming.”

Speaking on his individual performance, he added: “I’m happy enough, morning swims aren’t usually my strongpoint but that’s my quickest swim in three years, I’ve no doubt that’s because I had the three boys coming behind me, I knew they’d do something special.”

Ireland had three swimmers compete in the 100 Breaststroke with Darragh Greene quickest and advancing to the semi-final in 1:00.53 for eighth place overall.

Speaking on representing Ireland, Greene said: “You can’t beat it, it’s one of the main reasons we do this sport and train so hard, it’s huge to represent your county and anything after that is a bonus.”

Eoin Corby ensured he would join Greene later this evening with a time of 1:01.39 finishing 17^th overall. Corby said “I’m happy enough, I thought I could have been a small bit quicker but that’s for tonight to work on, I’ve a few things to improve on so hopefully come tonight I’m a bit faster. I’d love to make a final, I’d have to have the swim of my life to make that, but I’d love to be in that position.”

Uiseann Cooke also took to the blocks in the same event, making his Irish senior international debut, and his first since the 2019 European Junior Championships. The Tuam man came home in 1:02.89 to finish 34^th, Cooke will return on day three for the 200 Breaststroke.

Max McCusker was the first Irish swimmer on the blocks this morning competing in the 50m Butterfly Heats. The current senior record holder (23.44) swam one length of the Belgrade pool in a time of 23.72 to advance to this evening’s semi-final in 15^th place.

Speaking following the race, McCusker said: “I feel good, it was an alright swim, not the best but I made it back for the second swim so that’s all that really matters right now. Just to make it back for that final, top eight is the goal now.”

Lottie Cullen donned an Irish swim cap on the international stage for the first time in the heats of the 200m Backstroke. The 19-year-old swam an impressive 2:16.95 to advance through to the semi-final this evening.

Following her morning heat, Cullen said: “I was really excited, my main event (100 Backstroke) is a bit later in the week, so I was excited to get one out of the way and the pool is really nice, so it was really fun.”

The action will continue this evening from 17:30 (IRL) with Irish swimmers featuring across four events.

Day 1 | Morning Results:

Men 50 Butterfly: Max McCusker – 23.72 (15^th), Q

Women 200 Backstroke: Lottie Cullen – 2:16.95 (16^th), Q

Men 100 Breaststroke: Darragh Greene – 1:00.53 (8^th), Q; Eoin Corby – 1:01.39, (17^th) Q; Uiseann Cooke – 1:02.89, (34^th)

Men 4×200 Freestyle Relay: Finn McGeever (1:50.76), Evan Bailey (1:48.50), Jack Cassin (1:50.21), Cormac Rynn (1:49.24) – 7:18.71 (7^th), Q

Day 1 | Evening Schedule (16:30):

Men 50 Butterfly Semi-Final                              Max McCusker                             5.30pm (IRL)

Women 200 Backstroke Semi-Final                 Lottie Cullen                                 6pm (IRL)

Men 100 Breaststroke Semi-Final                    Darragh Greene, Eoin Corby   6.05pm (IRL)

Men 4×200 Freestyle Relay Semi-Final           Ireland                                            6.39pm (IRL)

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