Ireland will host its first ever European meet when the new facility at Abbotstown welcomes some of the world's finest swimmers for the 2003 European Short Course Championships. The Dublin venue has been confirmed for the prestigious event by LEN, the governing body of European Swimming, following tremendous work by Swim Ireland, the sport's governing body in Ireland.
In a statement released today, LEN confirmed: "Swim Ireland's presentation was the most professional of the bidding countries and that the Abbotstown Pool is of the highest standard. The venue has the potential to become one of the fastest swimming pools in Europe."
They added that they were particularly satisfied to see that the Government was also supportive. Ireland have yet to win a medal of any kind at the European Short course event, but have had two finalists in Michael Williamson and Andrew Bree.
The four day meet will take place from December 11 to 14 2003 and will be screened here on TG4.
Filed by Shane Murray
