Ireland's Ellen Keane has claimed bronze in the 200m individual medley at the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships in Dublin.
In a thrilling race, Keane delivered on her pre-championships standing to win Ireland's first medal of the event.
Cheered on by the feverish home crowd, Ellen Keane was able to old off the close attention of Zsofia Konkolyy who came in 4th - only 2 seconds behind the Irish swimmer.
Spain’s Nuria Marques lead the 200m Individual Medley home followed by Toni Shaw from Great Britain.
However, in home surroundings, it was Keane who generated all the excitement in the pool this evening.
IRELAND HAVE THEIR FIRST MEDAL!!!! WAAAHOOO ☘️🇮🇪💪🏼 Ellen Keane takes bronze!! #Dublin2018 pic.twitter.com/YqJTysNQE7
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) August 17, 2018
Ireland's first medalist of the European Championships, Keane was presented with the medal poolside shortly thereafter.
Ellen Keane presented with her medal!! OUTSTANDING ☘️🇮🇪🥉 @keane_ellen #Dublin2018 @Para_swimming @Allianz pic.twitter.com/Mhm8Up8VU2
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) August 17, 2018
There’s our superstar!! ☘️🇮🇪🥉 @keane_ellen #Dublin2018 pic.twitter.com/c7WKywWYFq
— Paralympics Ireland (@ParalympicsIRE) August 17, 2018
One more in a series of outstanding sporting achievement for Ireland this year, there were some close calls before Keane delivered the first medal this evening.
Longford’s Patrick Flanagan came very close to claiming bronnze in the men's 400m freestyle earlier today. Finishing 4th behind Yoan Valkinsky, only 0.26 seconds separated the pair.
