McClenaghan and Cunningham Hit Finals at 2024 European Championships

Rimini, Italy; Team Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan and Dominick Cunningham qualified to the Pommel and Vault finals respectively today at the European Championships 2024 in Rimini, Italy.

McClenaghan qualified in 2nd with a score of 15.133 on Pommel Horse while teammate Cunningham qualified in 8th on Vault with a combined score of 14.150. Pommel Horse final will take place on Friday, April 26th and Vault final will take place Saturday, April 27th.

The team placed 17th scoring a 233.894 led by Adam Steele’s impressive All-Around contribution scoring 80.332. Teammate Eamon Montgomery scored a 14.000 on the Floor Exercise while Daniel Fox led the team on Still Rings with a score of 13.166 while also scoring 75.484 in the All-Around.

Commenting on his performance today Rhys said:

“Happy to make another European Finals, more work to be done but got the job done for today"

Dominick on his performance said:

“This was my 6th Europeans, today was a tough graft doing all around again after 12 months. 6 pieces felt like 20 pieces but I knew floor and vault was a big chance for me. I attacked vault and went for the stick and I got the stick which gave me a great score! My second vault, I didn’t get the best block so I did double twist and got it to my feet. So for the final I know I can do a better second vault. But to make a European final on vault is an amazing feeling“

Commenting on today’s performances, Coach Luke Carson said:

“Today was a special day, Rhys McClenagahan continues his campaign to retain his European Title. Dominick performed an amazing 1st vault that helped secured his European Vault final. Adam Steele was the man of the hour with a personal best in his AA performance. He performed with confidence and elegance all the way through. We are all very proud of him.“

Gymnastics Ireland Performance and Technical Manger, Sally Johnson said:

“Great team performance with a significant improvement from 2023 moving from 23rd to 17th position in ranks with a team score of 233.894 a 5.832 improvement from 2023! Super work from Adam absolute credit to him with one of the very best Irish AA scores achieved to date. Great job in qualifying from Rhys on Pommel and Dominick on Vault! Well done to all the team in all the preparations and performances!“

Gymnastics Ireland CEO, Ciaran Gallagher added:

“Great day at Europeans qualifications for our guys… some great performances from Adam, who hit top 24 AA, and Dan AA, with the superb results of Rhys and Dom in finals for Pommel & Vault. Congrats to the entire team including our coaches, judges & athlete support! Roll on finals!”

Well done and congratulations to all gymnasts, coaches and judges!

Results:
•Rhys McClenaghan-Pommel Horse Final: 15.133
•Dom Cunningham - AA: 72.765
- Vault Final: Avg 14.150
•Adam Steele - AA: 80.332
•Eamon Montgomery-Floor: 14.000
•Dan Fox - AA: 75.464
•Team Score
- 233.894

Focus now shifts to the Men's Junior Competition where we will see James Hickey on the Pommel Horse at 9am Irish Time in Subdivision 1 Thursday, April 25th.

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