McSharry chasing hat-trick of gold at the NAC

Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry are the fastest qualifiers in the finals of the 800m freestyle and 200m breaststroke respectively ahead of the final session at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre.

McSharry will be on the hunt to complete a hat-trick of gold medals, as she was crowned European U23 champion in the 50m and 100m breaststroke during the first two days.

Wiffen who set the European record for the 800m in Japan last month will be looking to add another gold medal after winning the 1500m on Friday. Double U23 European champion Ellen Walshe will be making her fourth appearance in a final this weekend as she competes in the 50m butterfly, while Maria Godden will be back in her third final as she takes to the pool in the 200m Backstroke.

Grace Hodgins will compete in the 1500m freestyle final. Sligo's McSharry eased into tonight’s final of the 200m breaststroke winning her heat with a time of 2.27.27, to record the fastest time of the morning.

Speaking after her swim McSharry said, "Pretty good, happy with that, it’s just about getting the job done today, one more race tonight, we’ll see what my body can do.

"Just go out, have fun and race. I’m happy (with my performances this weekend), I knew it was going to be tough coming into this meet, I didn’t know what to expect and honestly, fair play to the staff and the other athletes here, it’s been awesome, really enjoyable, cheering us on, great atmosphere and I think that’s made the world of difference." Walshe competed against a strong field in the Women’s 50m Butterfly, her time of 27.19 was good enough for the Templeogue swimmer to qualify for her fourth final of these championships. Walshe finished as the eighth fastest athlete overall out of four heats.