A team of five Irish swimmers are in Munich, Germany, this week to compete against Europe’s best young talent at the European Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships.

The Irish team will race across six days of competition from 7–12 July at the Olympic Swimming Pool in Munich Olympic Park, the venue that hosted the 1972 Olympic Games.

Led by coach Jade Murphy, the Irish team combines experienced European Junior Championships athletes and international debutants. Clare Custer, 800m and 1500m Freestyle National Champion, returns for her second European Championships and she is joined by Phelim Hanley and Niamh Connery, who return for their second and third European Junior Championships respectively. Julia Dziedzic steps up following her selection for the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival, while Maren Byrne is set to make her Ireland debut.

Four Irish swimmers will be in action on the opening day of competition. Byrne and Dziedzic will contest the heats of the 400m Individual Medley, Connery takes to the blocks in the 50m Breaststroke, while Hanley will compete in the 200m Butterfly. Custer will make her first appearance on Wednesday in the 1500m Freestyle.

Speaking on the team selection, Swim Ireland National Performance Director Andy Reid said “The European Junior Championships are an important step in the development of our athletes as they gain experience competing against Europe’s best. This team has worked hard to earn its selection, and we’re excited to see both our experienced junior internationals and newcomers represent Ireland in Munich.”

Coach Jade Murphy added “This is a talented group that has shown great commitment and progress throughout the season. With a mix of experience and first-time representatives, the focus will be on delivering strong performances, gaining valuable experience and continuing their development on the international stage.”

2026 European Aquatics Junior Championships, Munich, 7th – 12th July
Athlete Name Home Coaching Programme Coach  
Maren Byrne Alto Swim Club Joey Sementelli  
Niamh Connery Shark Ross Coll  
Clare Custer Sarasota Sharks Brent Arckey  
Julia Dziedzic Aer Lingus Alan Turner  
Phelim Hanley Blackrock Goretti Guilfoyle  

 

 

Day 1 Heats Schedule:

W 400m IM Maren Byrne, Julia Dziedzic
W 50m Breaststroke Niamh Connery
M 200m Butterfly Phelim Hanley

 

Notes:

  1. Tuesday – Sunday schedule: Prelims: 8am (IRL) / Finals: 5pm (IRL)
  2. Schedule & Results
  3. Live Stream