Around 90 Swim Ireland Masters swimmers are in Samorin, Bratislava over the next week to compete in the 2026 European Aquatics Masters Championships.

Eight swimmers from four clubs (Nenagh Masters, Sliabh Beagh, Ennis Masters, Aer Lingus Masters) took on the 800m Freestyle on the opening day of racing.

The Irish swimmers got off to a flying start with Dymphna Morris and Normal Cahill both claiming gold medals in the respective age groups.

Dymphna of Aer Lingus Masters secured her gold medal in the 65-69 age group in a time of 11:23.98, which was both a new championship record and a new Irish National Record.

Norma, representing Ennis Masters, sealed her victory in the 60-64 age group in a time of 10:29.59, which was also a championship record.

Other results from day one:
Name Club Event Age Rank Time
Sarah Mackey Nenagh Masters 800 Free 35-39 10th 12:10.3
Brenda Healy Sliabh Beagh 800 Free 45-49 12th 12:52.19
Bronwyn Cummings Aer Lingus Masters 800 Free 45-49 15th 13:08.11
Norma Cahill Ennis masters 800 Free 60-64 Gold 10:29.59
Dorothy Ledwith Ennis masters 800 Free 65-69 5th 13.45.34
Dymphna Morris Aer Lingus Masters 800 Free 65-69 Gold 11:23.98
Anne Morrissey Aer Lingus Masters 800 Free 65-69 6th 14:00.12
Boyd Freeman Aer Lingus Masters 800 Free 60-64 5th 10:54.05