Queen Maeve reigns despite missing medal

THE Irish swimmer who stole the show at the Opening Ceremony with an impromptu rendering of “The Fields of Athenry” yesterday illustrated her capacity to thrill and delight by leading the parade of champions on a memorable day of competition in the National Aquatic Centre.

Nineteen-years-old Maeve Phillips was beaten to a medal by the width of a fingernail but her bubbling good humour was powerfully evident as she celebrated her fourth place afterwards with family, friends and coaches.

Maeve shocked the organisers when she took the microphone from Des Cahill at Croke Park and extended the programme by treating an audience of millions to her favourite song. On a day when Ireland's swimmers succeeded in winning three gold medals, her joy and spirit of fun was beautifully evident.