The 2023 World Para Swimming Championships got underway in Manchester yesterday with Róisín Ní Riain first in the pool for Team Ireland.

The National Centre (Limerick) swimmer ensured Ireland did not have to wait long to get on the podium,  finishing second in the 100 Butterfly S13 Final with a time of 1:06.00, going two seconds quicker than her lifetime best. Italian Carlotta Gilli set a new Championship Record on her way to gold with 1:02.61.

The World Championship silver meant also meant that Ní Riain secured an all important slot for Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Either a gold or silver medal at this competition secures a Paris 2024 slot for their country.

Speaking after her event Róisín said: “I’m really shocked to be honest! I love this swim as it’s not too much pressure for me. That’s my first PB in that event since Tokyo, I’ve been stuck there for a while so it’s nice to get a PB. I think this was kind of unexpected tonight but it came as a nice surprise, but it definitely takes some of the pressure off for the rest of the week.”

Ní Riain is back to on the blocks tomorrow evening for the 100m Breaststroke Final (S13).

Watch Live: Paralympics YouTube

Day 1 Results:

Róisín Ní Riain: 100m Butterfly Final (S13) / 01:06.00 / 2nd Place

Day 2 (August 1) Schedule:

20:15 – Róisín Ní Riain: 100m Breaststroke Final

Day 3 (August 2) Schedule:

Barry McClements: 100m Butterfly Heat

Nicole Turner: 200m IM Final

Day 4 (August 3) Schedule:

Róisín Ní Riain: 100m Backstroke Final

Day 5 (August 4) Schedule:

Nicole Turner: 50m Freestyle Heat

Barry McClements: 400m Freestyle Heat

Day 6 (August 5) Schedule:

Róisín Ní Riain: 400m Freestyle Heat

Barry McClements: 100m Backstroke Heat

Nicole Turner: 100m Breaststroke Final

Day 7 (August 6) Schedule:

Róisín Ní Riain: 200m IM Heat

Ellen Keane: 100m Breaststroke Heat

Nicole Turner: 50m Butterfly Final

Dearbhaile Brady: 50m Butterfly Final