McDonald will be first up in the Final of the 400m Freestyle S6; an event he won Gold in at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The 19 year old has the fastest time going into the race of 4:55.56, a personal best from the Games that should he swim again, he could retain the title.

Bethany Firth swam a new personal best in the heats of the 200m Freestyle S14, touching first in heat 2 in 2:13.78 ahead of London 2012 silver medallist Taylor Corry of Australia in 2:15.03. The Gold medallist in the event from London last September Jessica Jane Applegate of Great Britain was the fastest qualifier in 2:11.71.

Ellen Keane opened her championship account with a 9th place finish overall in the 100m Freestyle S9 clocking a time of 1:08.57 which was just off her personal best. Keane was pleased with the performance saying "I feel really happy, I'm glad I had an event I don't normally do before my main strokes to get used to the pool and get used to racing, I'm looking forward to my main events now".

A further Press Release will issue following tonight's Final session.

Results: Day 1 Heats
Darragh McDonald 400m Freestyle S6 - No Heat - Straight to Final
Ellen Keane 100m Freestyle S9 1:08.57 (9th)
Bethany Firth 200m Freestyle S14 2:13.78 (2nd)

Day 1 Finals
Darragh McDonald 400m Freestyle S6 10pm
Bethany Firth 200m Freestyle S14 1.30am