I started swimming when I was young, I loved swimming and I was good at it. I got great support from my coaches and club and Aura also.
Who was your favourite sports hero growing up?
Grainne Murphy. Irish international swimmer. Grainne is a distance swimmer like me. She is the Irish record holder for the 1500m freestyle which is also my event. I have met her a number of times and she always gives me great encouragement.
What is the best sporting advice you have ever received?
Work hard and try the best you can.
What is your favourite meal before you perform?
Chicken pasta 2-3 hours before a race.
What was your best achievement in your sport?
I had two major highlights in my career. A bronze medal over 1500m at the world down syndrome championships in 2016, and a gold over 1500m at the European down syndrome championships in 2017. I am the only Irish swimmer to achieve this.
If you could have played any other sport what would it have been?
Floorball, also known as indoor hockey.
Who is your favourite player from another sport?
Cillian O Sullivan and Emily Kelly, both Meath GAA stars.
Have you any advice for the younger sporting generation?
Work hard at your sport and always try your best.
- Tommy Dowd (Meath) – 4 time GAA All Star.
- Aoibheann Leahy – Meath Ladies GAA footballer.
- Noel Meade – 7 times champion horse trainer.
- Jackie Sheils – Ireland women’s rugby 6 nations winner.
- Terry Donegan – Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with the Meath Local Sports Partnership.
