John Shortt rewrites Irish record books as Luke O’Donoghue wins Para silver

NUMBER ONE: John Shortt has set a new Irish senior record. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane.

John Shortt produced a stunning performance to set a new Irish senior record in the 200m Backstroke.

Competing at the Giant Open Meet in Paris, the National Centre (Limerick) swimmer continued to ramp up his preparation for the upcoming Irish Open in just over two weeks' time, setting a new standard in the 200m Backstroke final with a time of 1:56.07, also claiming top spot on the podium.

The time broke the previous record of 1:56.19 set by Shortt last August on his way to World Junior gold in Romania.

Also in Paris, Ellen Walshe won her second consecutive silver medal following her time of 2:09.19 in the 200m Butterfly final. Ellie McCartney was another Irish swimmer to reach the podium for the second consecutive day, winning silver in the 200m Breaststroke final with a time of 2:24.51.

In Barcelona, the penultimate day of the 2026 Para Swimming World Series concluded this evening, with both Luke O’Donoghue and Ellie Lynch competing in Youth Finals.

O’Donoghue delivered the standout performance of the night, claiming a youth silver medal.

The Kingdom man secured Ireland’s third medal of the meet, winning silver in the 100m Breaststroke Youth Final (S9). O’Donoghue clocked a new lifetime best of 1:10.21, shaving nearly a second and a half off his morning swim to finish second on the podium.

“I’m feeling very good after that," said the Kerry native.

"I came into this meet not expecting to PB after only having surgery a few weeks ago, so I'm absolutely delighted. I can't wait to step onto that podium - it was always a goal of mine to win a medal here, and now we’ve done it.

"My mom and my gran are here; they are my number one fans. My mom takes me to training and every competition, and she helps out with coaching, so she's brilliant.”

Ellie Lynch was also in action on Saturday night, appearing in her second youth final of the week.

The Celtic Waves swimmer finished sixth overall in the 100m Backstroke Youth Final (S9) with a time of 1:12.20. Lynch will return for one more day of racing, competing in the 50m Freestyle (S9).

“I think it's definitely a learning experience," said Lynch.

"It wasn't the result I was hoping for, but I can build on it. There are things I need to work on and improve, and it’s all part of the process.

"Even just wearing the Irish cap is an achievement, so I'm not too worried about the time tonight - I'm just proud to be here.”

Earlier on Saturday, Barry McClements continued his preparation with his sights set on the Irish Open in two weeks’ time, clocking 1:07.97 in the 100m Backstroke heats (S9).

Meanwhile, Sam Black (14) and Luke Brennan (S8) recorded new personal bests in the same event, while Maya Hogan posted a time of 1:32.27 in the S10 class.