Ciara McGing: The Rathmullan and Paul McGinley connections

Ciara McGing was the last of Ireland's aquatics team to be confirmed for the Olympic Games.

The London-born diver – who will compete in the 10m platform in Paris - qualifies for Ireland through the granny rule: One from Rathmullan and one from Tourmakeady in County Mayo.

There are strong sporting links in her genes.

McGing's grandmother, the late Pam Finney, was nee Sheridan from the Market Square in Rathmullan.

McGing spent many summer holidays in the north Donegal village.

McGing's grandmother, Ms Finney, was an aunt of Irish golfing ace and Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley. She was a sister of Julia Sheridan, who later married Mick McGinley.

McGing started diving as an eight-year-old and won a GB National Skills competition when she was 11.

In GB Junior Elites, McGing won a raft of medals before winning the Irish senior championships at the age of 17, going on to represent Ireland in the Junior European Diving Championships in Russia.

Earlier this year, McGing finished 26th at the World Championships and looked to have missed out on a place at the Olympics.

Last year at the European Games she was sixth, earning a score of 280.10 that represented a personal best.

In 2020, McGing moved to Ohio State University and reached the NCAA finals after winning a Big 10 title.

Getting selected for Paris, she says, was “the most wonderful surprise”.