Pemberton praises prestigious Aquatic Centre

TEAM IRELAND’S swimming coach swept an eloquent hand across the glorious spread of the National Aquatic Centre and said: “I’ve been to World Games before, I was in New Haven, in North Carolina and in Connecticut, as basketball coach and I’ve been to Monaco and to Scotland for European Games, but nowhere is there a facility better than this.”

Brenda Pemberton presided over a winning Irish team on the opening day of competition with a special citation, three silver medals and a bronze medal won. "I could not have expected us to do so well" she said.

The focus, of course, was on the athletes but the marvellous setting and facility that is the NAC came in for much praise "The actual pool is perfect and it is of huge benefit," said Brenda. "It's a beautiful facility and it makes me feel very proud as an Irish person.