World-class award for Jonathan

World-class carding has been awarded to a 17-year-old Killaloe swimmer.
Jonathan McGrath, a Leaving Certificate pupil of St Anne’s Community College, is from Cloonfada, Killaloe and son of Betty and Christy.
The prestigious award, granted by the Irish Sports Council, recognises great success at the World Paralympic Championships in Eindhoven last year. Jonathan finished fifth in the 400m freestyle (S8) in what was his first appearance in a world championship.
His next big swimming test comes next month in Sheffield, where he will be competing in the DSE championships. After that, he goes in the Irish LC National Championships and in July he is off to the Paralympic European Championships.
Jonathan trains six days a week in University of Limerick and competes with Limerick Swimming Club under the guidance of coach Eoin Carroll. There are also frequent journeys to Dublin for training sessions.
The Irish Sports Council’s carding scheme is designed to assist Ireland’s most talented athletes realise their potential to perform successfully at the highest international levels.
Its objective is to support athletes who have potential to deliver Olympic and Paralympic final-place finishes.