It is McSharry's second medal of the week, having also claimed silver in the 100 metres breaststroke final on Wednesday.

Irish athletes return to action after golden night in Birmingham, while McSharry and McCartney chase European swimming medals

The race was won by Angharad Evans, as the Sligo woman hunted her down for the majorityy of the race.

Reigning Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen will be in the men's 800-metres freestyle final just after 7pm.

Olympic bronze medallist Mona McSharry cruised into the women’s 100m breaststroke final, clocking 1:05.64 in this evening’s semi-final, just outside the Irish record.