Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen and fellow Olympic medallist Mona McSharry will headline Swim Ireland’s 12-athlete squad heading to the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, a year after Ireland’s historic three-medal haul at the Paris Olympics.
Wiffen, who claimed World Championship titles in both the 800m and 1500m Freestyle in Doha in 2024, will return to defend his crowns. McSharry, who continues to lead Ireland’s charge in breaststroke events, will look to build on her Olympic success.
Also named in the squad are Olympic finalist Ellen Walshe and World Short Course medallist Shane Ryan, both expected to contend for final and semi-final places over the eight-day competition. They are joined by a blend of experience and emerging talent, including John Shortt, Evan Bailey, and Ellie McCartney—prominent figures among Ireland’s next generation of swimmers.
European champion Danielle Hill and Olympic semi-finalist Tom Fannon also return to international competition, forming a solid backbone to the team aiming for strong performances in Kallang.
Five members of the team will use the European Aquatics Under-23 Championships in Slovakia as their final competitive preparation for Singapore. Others will treat the World Championships as their key summer event. Due to scheduling conflicts with the World University Games, only Lottie Cullen will be eligible for nomination to Student Sport Ireland’s team.
Swim Ireland also confirmed squads for the European Aquatics Junior Championships, including 16 pool swimmers and 2 open-water competitors. Olympian Grace Davison and reigning European Junior 200m Backstroke champion John Shortt headline a team aiming to make a mark on Europe’s biggest youth stage.
A team for the European Youth Olympic Festival in Macedonia has been nominated to the Olympic Federation of Ireland, with selections to be confirmed. Meanwhile, June will see the announcement of Ireland’s team for the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Romania, with the European Juniors serving as the trials.
Ireland’s summer of swimming is set to showcase both its elite performers and promising young talent on the world stage.
