The first Swim Ulster Development Gala of the season took place on Sunday November 29th in Newry. Sliabh Beagh had 22 swimmers, with as many personal best times. The development galas are the first level of swim competitions in Swim Ulster. It was the very first gala for 9 year old Alice Trainor, who swam the 100 m Individual Medley (I.M.), while first time gala swimmers Tara Gillespie and Ciona Barry both swam the 100 m backstroke. All three girls did a great job!
Most note worthy is the amount of seconds taken off from every single swim across the team: A whopping 365 seconds in total were dropped in times! Not only did they swim fast, their technique has improved substantially. Their “underwater work” from their dives was noticeably improved, with many kids making it to nearly 10 m. The kids really swam well. The work they are doing at practice is really paying off.
It is at these development galas where swimmers work to earn qualifying times for the next level of competitions through Swim Ulster (Qualifying Galas). The following swimmers earned qualifying times, which will move them up a level and some also earned a number of medals in their individual age groups! :
Faolan Campbell: Gold in 200 Back and Swim Ulster Qualifying time, 2nd 100 Breast.
Niamh Lavelle: Bronze in 200 Breast and Swim Ulster Qualifying time.
Emily Madden: Gold in 200 IM and Swim Ulster Qualifying time.
Ellen Mc Geough: Swim Ulster Qualifying time in the 200 Breast.
Eimear Mc Kenna: Silver in the 100 Back and Swim Ulster Qualifying time, silver in the 200 IM and silver in 100 Freestyle.
Sheenagh Mc Kenna: Swim Ulster qualifying time in the 100 back and 100 freestyle.
Cliona Sheridan: Gold in 200 Breast and Swim Ulster Qualifying time in 200 Breast, 100 back and 200IM.
Ruadhan Curran: Two Swim Ulster Qualifying times in 200 Free and 200 Back.
Katie Bowden: Swim Ulster Qualifying time in the 200 Breaststroke.
Conor Curran: Silver in the 100 Fly.
Kyle Crean Mc Kenna: Silver in 100 Breast.
Also well done to the following swimmers who all achieved Personal Bests in their swims.
James Campbell, Daniel Madden, Emma Mc Elvaney,Hazel Mc Morrow, Ciona Barry, Tara Gilespie, Enri Shiels, Hannah Skeath, Mathew Skeath, Alice Trainor, Katie Trainor.
Well done to all of the swimmers. Your coaches are proud of your achievements, especially so early in the season!