Shortt sets Irish 200m backstroke record in Bangor

John Shortt produced a new national record in the 200m backstroke at the Irish Open Championships in Bangor on Saturday.

The 19-year-old went under 1:56 for the first time in his career, stopping the clock at 1:55.70 – a performance that ranks him third in the world this year.

"Brilliant, you know, I think the last two weeks have been really solid, you know in terms of every time I've got in the water this season I've improved," said Shortt.

"I think it's been a really solid last three days and you know I'm excited to see where the summer goes."

The 200m victory completed a stroke clean sweep for Shortt - a feat emulated by Jack Kelly and Mona McSharry, while there was a fourth national title for Ellen Walshe.

Kelly secured a hat-trick of breaststroke titles as he claimed his third national win of the week in the 100m breaststroke, clocking his second championship record in the process with 59.90.

Olympic bronze medallist McSharry completed her breaststroke clean sweep with victory in her favoured 100m.

McSharry won in 1:06.27, the third fastest time in the world this year.

Walshe was once again outstanding as she won her fourth national title of the week with victory in the 400m freestyle.

Already crowned champion in the 100m and 200m butterfly and the 400m individual medley, Walshe showed her versatility with a personal best of 4:12.54, a time inside the consideration standard for the European Championships.

Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen claimed his second national title of the event by winning the Open 400m freestyle, adding to 800m freestyle gold from the opening night of racing.

Wiffen controlled the race from the outset, touching home in 3:49.35, a time inside the consideration standards for both the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games.