Official Recognition For World Record Breaking Clare Athlete

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Tony Killeen presented World Record Certificates to Norma Cahill in recognition of her exploits during the National Pool Lifesaving Championships in February.

The annual Championships are part of Irish Water Safety’s extensive programme to promote water safety in Ireland with a particular focus on the necessary skills required by lifeguards nationwide. The event saw teams from counties around Ireland competing in a rigorous series of races, which simulated conditions that lifesavers often encounter in real life rescues.

Norma Cahill smashed the world record in the 100 Metre manikin carry with fins in the University Arena pool in Limerick. The previous record was held by Schankin Petra of Germany, from Italy and was set in 2004 at a time of 1 M16.76Secs. Norma took 0.78 seconds off this time.

According to Minister Killeen, "It is the first World Record in Lifesaving Sport ever made and will be uploaded to the International Lifesaving Federation library of world records. Currently Norma is the only Irish citizen to hold a world record in lifesaving sport."

"I know that the people of County Clare and Irish Water Safety are delighted for Norma. She is Ireland's premier lifesaving athlete, holding two previous world records, which she made in Geelong, Australia in 2006. There is no doubt that she has elevated the sport on to a new level giving it national and international recognition", concluded the Clare T.D.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)