SPORT: WEXFORD SWIMMER GRAINNE MURPHY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Irish international swimmer and Wexford woman Grainne Murphy has announced her retirement from the pool.
The 22-year-old from Ballinaboola has decided to quit the sport after revealing that a severe lung infection that she suffered in November last year has severely hampered her preparations for Rio 2016.
She had been due to compete at the London Olympics but was diagnosed with glandular fever and was forced to withdraw after the heats of the 400m freestyle.
The former European silver medalist holds three senior Irish records – in the 800m and 1500m freestyle and the 200m individual medley.
She sprang to the attention of the Irish sporting public at the age of 16 when she claimed three gold and a bronze medal at the 2009 European Junior Championships in Prague.
In a statement, Sport Ireland chief executive John Treacy said;
“Grainne Murphy was an exceptional swimmer blessed with great athletic ability, work ethic and ability to perform on the big stage.”