LEINSTER LONG COURSE CHAMPIONSHIP
Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday (31st May – 2nd June) Sliabh Beagh swimmers took part in this excellent gala. The competition was severe and the times were fast. This meant that to make finals you had to put in the effort in every race to get a second chance to swim, win a medal and possibly improve your time.
Thirteen different swimmers attended the gala. All of them made at least one final and most more than two finals. However Personal Best times were hard to achieve for not only our swimmers but indeed most swimmers at the gala. Nevertheless medals were won, personal best times were swam and generally a feel good factor prevailed. Those attending were Deribhle Coll, Peter O’Hara, Ciaran Hennessy, Alannah Leonard, Shauna McGahon, Claragh McGahon, Caoimhe Quinn, Nathan Shields, Sean McKenna, Eimear McKenna, Colin Gorman, Megan McShane and Jordan McShane. The main objective of the competition for our swimmers was either get a qualifying time for forthcoming competitions or get used to swimming fast in a 50m Pool.
So well done everyone and the above photos are depicting some of the swimmers attending.
AQUASPRINT FINAL
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CLUB RECORD GALA SATURDAY 15th JUNE 2013
This club executive hopes to continue the practice of twice a year record galas. This is the first opportunity for swimmers to break an existing record set in May 2012. The purpose of the gala is the provide club swimmers with an opportunity to set club records in the club setting. Those with times from Development, Ulster or National galas still retain those times, but this record can only be set when swimming in this club swimmer only gala, on this specific date each year in these specific events. Full details can be found on notice board and website.
SWIM ULSTER INAUGURAL LONG COURSE MEET.
On the weekend of the 24th -26th June we had 12 swimmers representing the club in the Swim Ulster Inaugural Long Course Meet, which was held in the Bangor Aurora Leisure Complex over three days. This meet proved to be a great success for our swimmers who brought home medals and pb’s all round. For some this was their very first time to compete in a 50m pool but it was clear to be seen that the hard work and training in Magherafelt over the past 6 months has paid off. Once again this meet was used to gain experience in preparation for the Irish Age Groups in June & July.
We got off to a GREAT start on Friday evening Day 1: Deirbhile 1st 800free & Alannah 2nd 800free. Day 2 was just as promising as day 1: Deirbhile 2nd 400im, 3rd 100fly, 2nd 100br. Conor 1st 200im, 100free, 50bk, 2nd 400fr. Ross 1st 200im, 50bk, 400fr 2nd 100fr. Colin 6th 200im. Ciaran 1st 200bk, 3rd 50bk, 5th 100fr. Caragh 2nd 100br 50fly. Caoimhe 3rd 50fly. Alannah 3rd 100br, 200fr, 6th 50fly. Kate 7th 100br 6th 200fr. Day 3 did not let us down, success continued as the two previous days: Ross 2nd 100fly, 1st 50fly, 1st 200free, 3rd 50free. Peter 3rd 100fly, 1st 50fly, 3rd 200free, 4th 50free. Nathan 4th 100br, 5th 200free, 3d 100bk. Jamie 3rd 100fly, 5th 50fly, 9th 50free. It was also noted that reaction times off blocks were impressive. Full list of results can be found on website and Notice board. As Eamon had said in April “The intensity of the work has already commenced, preparing everyone to swim faster, harder and for longer as the real championship season comes into focus in June through July”.
The final tally for the weekend was 35 medals (12 Gold, 12 Silver, 11 Bronze) and numerous personal bests.WELL DONE Deirbhile Coll, Alannah Leonard, Caragh Leonard, Caoimhe Leonard, Kate Madden, Conor Comiskey, Ross Delaney, Colin Gorman, Ciaran Hennessy, Peter O’Hara, Nathan Shields & Jamie Sheridan.
COMMUNITY GAMES NATIONAL FINALS.
Congratulations to all our swimmers who competed in the Community Games National Finals at the weekend. Full results can be found on the Community games section. Once again CONGRATULATIONS on representing your county.