Athlone's Shane representing Ireland at major water polo championships

Athlone Regional Sports Centre Water Polo Club are being proudly represented on the international stage this week as prominent underage player Shane Killian competes for Ireland at the European Aquatics U18 Boy's Championships in Rio Maior Portugal.

Unfortunately, the Irish team suffered defeat to Bulgaria in their opening Group B encounter this evening but will have opportunities to rectify this loss when they play Denmark at 10.45am tomorrow (Tuesday) and Switzerland at 10.45am on Wednesday.

Should Ireland progress from the group phase, the knockout phase of the competition starts on Thursday, August 21.

In a social media post Athlone Regional Sports Centre said they were "really proud" of Shane, wishing him and the Irish team "the very best of luck" for the championships.

A son of Fiona and Ger Killian, Shane also plays football for Athlone GAA club, who said that they were "proud to see a local athlete representing Ireland".

Shane was previously called up to represent his country at the ASA Inter Regional Championships in October of last year and played a pivotal role as Ireland won the tournament.