Ulster Squad in Luxemburg
Club swimmer Alannah Leonard represented Ulster at this European event between the 18 and 20 January 2013. Alannah swam very well in the 100 Backstroke, 200 IM and the 100 Freestyle. Unfortunately no medals came our way on this occasion but they will come for her and others as we work through the season.
This event was an eye opener for Alannah and indeed all the Ulster swimmers because they found themselves competing with swimmers who not only were in the London Olympics but were medal winners there too. Names mean very little but the Lithuanian girl who won the gold medal in the 100m Breaststroke was there and winning again too. So too were the French girls who were on the Bronze winning French Relay team and who swam in the individual 400 M Freestyle and 200m IM finals in London.
So for Alannah the challenge was set and to see these athletes perform alongside you is very motivational and challenging. What is the difference between these athletes and our own? Some have exceptional talent. Some are very fine physical specimens, but the main difference is application to work and as Ian Thorpe says – ‘honing your technique and having a race plan’ allied to never going easy on yourself in training. Lastly enjoy what you do and it is always easier.
So well done Alannah and Sliabh Beagh ASC are proud of your exploits.
Paralympic selection
Congratulations to Club swimmer Colm McAdam who was selected for the Ulster squad a few weeks ago. Last weekend Colm was assessed by the Paralympic medical staff and he has been classified as S8 for Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly and IM and SB7 for Breaststroke. Well done Colm, now the hard work begins in earnest between the new job, new pools, new training environment and when at home in Monaghan pool.
Leinster Graded & Swim Ulster Development 3 Galas.
This Sunday we have 17 swimmers who will head for the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) to compete in the Leinster Graded Gala. Some of our younger swimmers will have the opportunity of having the experience of competing in a much larger venue and competition than they are use to, while our older swimmers will be using this gala to gain qualifying times for the IAG Championships later on in the year. We also have 3 swimmers attending the Swim Ulster Development 3 meet in Newry this Sunday, who once again will be using this gala to gain experience and pb’s of larger competitions.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE
Ulster Minor Schools Championships
Last Saturday 19 January 2013 another set of our junior swimmers competed at the Ulster Minor Schools 5 & 5 Championships in Ballymena. Sliabh Beagh had 4 swimmers represent their schools at this gala. The following swimmers attended: Sean McKenna, Dearbhla Tracey, Leon Campbell and Louise Gorman. Congratulations to Sean who brought home 2 medals Gold – 50 Free and Bronze – 100IM. Personal Bests were achieved by all swimmers. Well Done Everyone.
Burns Qualifying Gala
Congratulations to Caoimhe Quinn who attended the Burns Qualifying Gala in Larne. Caoimhe achieved PB’s in all her strokes.
Magherafelt 50m Pool Training
Last Sunday 15 club swimmers braved the roads and the elements and made it to the session in Magherafely. Tomasz our Intermediate squad coach set the programme. It was challenging and also enjoyable and everyone put in a great effort.
Eamon spent the day playing with the new Lactate machine and in the end had to defer the testing, because when all was ready to go he discovered that he forgot to bring the needles!
Our next 50m pool session in Magherafelt is next Sunday the 27 January 1 2013. The session time is 1pm – 3pm. Names must be with Claire by 9 pm tonight the 24/1/13.
AquaSprint Gala
Our next AquaSprint Gala is in Lecale on Saturday 2 February 2013. Cost of bus €10 – swimmer, €5 – parent.
Long Distance Gala
Sliabh Beagh are hosting a gala for all long distance swimmers. This will be over 800 and 1,500m distances. The gala will be in Monaghan Leisure centre on the 31 March 2013 (Easter Sunday). Gala information is on the club website. Masters swimming Clubs and Triathlon clubs have been circulated with the information.
WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah and Dermot who were married recently. We wish you both all the best and many years of happiness from all at Sliabh Beagh.
Dont forget all up to date information can also be found on Facebook.com/sliabhbeaghasc.