Delvin man Fintan set for world stage

Fintan Bray from Delvin is competing in the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Nova Scotia, Canada this month.

Son of Marie and Eamon Bray, Fintan's introduction to the pool was when he was six months old, and his mother brought him to the hydrotherapy pool in St Mary's, Delvin. According to mum, Marie he immediately took to it like a duck to water.

Later, Fintan received formal training and coaching in Mullingar swimming pool before progressing on to the Jets Swimming Club in Mullingar. He further developed his pool skills through the coaching he received in the Helping Hands Group in Kells.

From there, he joined Kells Swimming Club of which he is still a member, and where he is coached by a very professional and committed team of coaches, headed by Jeff and Sue Phillips.

When he was 18, Fintan competed in trials for the Irish Down Syndrome swimming team. He was invited to join the squad and trains with the team in Belvedere College pool, Dublin and in Stewarts Hospital, Palmerstown.

He has travelled to Italy, France and England to compete in European and international competitions. Naturally, Fintan is very excited about travelling to Canada for the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships. He is training very hard, keeping a close eye on his diet and getting plenty of rest.

Meanwhile, Stephen Walsh from Knockdrin is also travelling with Fintan along with 10 other swimmers who form the Irish team, their coaches and chaperones.
Son of Tom and Mai Walsh, Stephen has been undergoing the same rigourous training in advance of the world championships.