Mona McSharry powered into the final of the 100m breaststroke at the European Swimming Championships in Rome with a strong performance in this evening's semi-final.
The Sligo woman was the third fastest over the two semi-finals, finishing second in her race behind Italy’s Pilato Benedetta.
After posting a time of 1:07.30 in this morning’s heat, McSharry looked in good shape from the start, reaching the turn just .27 behind the world champion.
She couldn’t edge ahead, but never looked in danger of being caught for second and edged closer to her PB with a time of 1:06.44.
"It feels a little bit like my old self there this afternoon which is nice," McSharry told RTÉ Sport.
"It's definitely nice to be back down to a 1:06 mix and just competing, racing and just enjoying it.
"I'm very happy with that time. I said to myself that I wanted to go 'something 1:06', so 1:06.4 is just great. It's basically on my PB."
Niamh Coyne bowed out in the other semi-final. The 21-year-old was ranked 11th of the 17 semi-finalists after clocking a time of 1:08.11, and while she lowered that time to 1:08.00, it was only good enough for sixth place, 11th overall.
The race was won by world record holder and 2012 Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Ruta Meilutyte in a time of 1:06.41.
The final takes place at 5.28pm tomorrow Irish time.
Earlier today, Ella McCartney swam a good race to finish fourth in the opening heat. She posted a time of 1:12.16 in what was her international debut.
Danielle Hill was 20th in the 50m butterfly in 27.10 and is first reserve for tonight's semi-final.
In the mixed 4x100m medley relay, the Irish quartet of Hill, Brendan Hyland, Eoin Corby, Victoria Catterson did not make the final, finishing fifth in their semi, 11th overall, in a time of 3:53.15.
Max McCusker and Robert Powell failed to advance in the men's 100m freestyle as they finished seventh in their respective heats in times 50.12 and 50.99 respectively.
Ireland's Liam Custer was one of just two competitors in the opening heat of three in the men's 800m freestyle. Israel's Yoav Romano (8.11.02) came home in front, with Custer clocking in at 8:15.09.
Watch highlights of the European Swimming Championships on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 11.30pm
