Burglars strike while Bethany is competing

Bethany (23) returned home to her Dublin base on Monday after representing her country abroad only to find her home had been ransacked.

Accommodation she shares with other elite Irish athletes had been turned over and watches and jewellery were stolen.

Bethany took to Facebok to describe the burglars as ‘rats.’

She broke a 16-year-old 100m butterfly long course record and is studying a degree in Sports Science and Health at University College Dublin.

Bethany has represented Ireland at various galas around the world and Northern Ireland in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Her agent Alex McGreevy said that she was shocked to come back to find burglars had stolen some of her possessions.

Her agent said. “It’s a big thing when somebody invades your privacy.

“Not only have they stolen your possessions they have invaded that space.”

Posting on Facebook her mum said: “Some day you shall hopefully be apprehended in your shameful activities and perhaps be held accountable for taking the very few lovely special things which my daughter had worked for and treasured.”