Swimming NewsThe first serious knock-on effect for competitive swimming caused by the withholding of funding by the Irish Sports Council was evident at the annual international Leisureland meet in Salthill at the weekend.

Many line-ups were bereft of the quality the organisers have been acquiring for the event since its inauguration more than 20 years ago.

"We were badly hit for money that would have ensured the involvement of certain top-class cross-channel and continental competitors but at least we had not got to break the sequence of the annual fixture," said a Salthill spokesperson.

The funding impasse threatens the Irish Schools Four Nations team's plans ahead of its glamour engagement in Southampton against England, Scotland and Wales at the end of next month.

Ironically, this year more than ever before the Irish team picked for this event following the All-Ireland Schools championships earlier this month is regarded as the strongest to represent Ireland in many years.

Considerable concern is being expressed by swim officials about the first National long-course championships due at the National Aquatic Centre in Abbottstown in April, an event which will need the necessary funding if it is to prove successful.