Ireland's top swimmers to compete at first major long-course competition of season

Some of the talent competing include Ellen Walshe, John Shortt, Olympians Conor Ferguson, Danielle Hill, Tom Fannon, and Grace Davison

Ellen Walshe will compete at the weekend. Pic: Ian MacNicol/Sportsfile

This weekend, 600 swimmers from 90 clubs will enter the National Aquatic Centre for an action‑packed weekend of racing at the McCullagh International.

The event marks one of the first major long‑course competitions of the season, serving as a key opportunity for Irish athletes preparing for the Irish Open Championships, which take place in Co. Down in April. 

The Irish Open will act as a qualification meet for major Summer Internationals, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the European Aquatics Championships, in July and August respectively.

Some of the talent competing this weekend include Ireland’s top swimmers including two of December’s European Short Course Champions Ellen Walshe and John Shortt, Olympians Conor Ferguson, Danielle Hill, Tom Fannon, and Grace Davison.

Paralympians Róisín Ní Riain, Dearbhaile Brady, Barry McClements, and Deaten Registe will also be racing.

They will be joined by international stars, including British Olympic gold medallists Duncan Scott and Jack McMillan, who headline a strong British contingent making the trip to Dublin for the meet.

The three-day meet will also provide Irish swimmers and clubs an opportunity to battle it out for national relay titles.

Speaking ahead of the McCullagh International, Swim Ireland National Performance Director Andy Reid said, “As the final domestic preparation meet before April, this event carries real significance. 

"With strong international athletes joining Ireland’s leading swimmers at the National Aquatic Centre, the level of competition promises to be intense from start to finish. 

"It’s a chance for athletes to fine-tune race strategies, build momentum, and test themselves against quality opposition as the countdown to the Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials continues.” 

Ireland National Senior Team Schedule

Feb 20-22: McCullagh International (NAC, Dublin).

Mar 13-15: Edinburgh International. 

Mar 20-22: Giant Open Meet (Paris, France). 

Apr 8–12: Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials (Bangor, Down). 

May 23–31: Mare Nostrum Swim Tour (Canet, Barcelona, Monaco). 

Jun 26-28: Sette Colli Swim Meet (Rome, Italy).

Jul 24–29: Commonwealth Games (Glasgow, Scotland). 

Aug 10–16: European Aquatics Championships (Paris, France).

TBC: European Para Swimming Championships.