Antrim Junior Championships, Larne

Saturday 26th May four of our swimmers competed in the Larne Swimming Championships

• Katie Bowden was entered for six events 50 back, 100 breast 50 fly 50 breast 100 fly and 100 back.  Katie made PBs in all her swims plus Qualification Times for
• IAGDIV2
• Sheenagh Mc Kenna entered for 100 free, 50 free, 100 back.
• Hannah Sheridan entered 200 IM, 50 Back 50 fly, 100 free, 50 breast 100 fly 100 back.  Hannah won 1 Bronze medal and 5 PBs.
• Darragh Hughes was listed for 200 IM,100 breast 50 fly, 100 free, 50 breast, and 100 fly,  Darragh won 5 Golds & 1 Bronze & 6 PBs plus a Qualification Time for IAGDIV2

Some were competing to gain Division 2 times, for a competition to be held later in the summer. Some just to gain PB’S and experience at competing in a number of challenging events. The swimmers gave of their best, taking time out from busy exam schedules. Each event was competed with” True Grit” and our swimmers finished with all improved times and a number of medals.  Swimming in all of these events takes a lot of hard work and dedication. On the day, our swimmers competed with some of the best in Ulster and demonstrated ongoing improvement in application and technique. Well done to you all! You did your Swimming Club and families proud.

National Secondary Schools Triathlon

On Sunday 20th May, students from all four provinces raced for all-Ireland titles at the National Secondary Schools Triathlon in Nass, Co.Kildare. Sliabh Beagh had two swimmers taking part, Cillian McGahon representing Patrician High School Carrickmacross and Sheenagh McKenna, St. Louis Monaghan. In order to qualify for this event you needed to place in the top three in your province which Cillian and Sheenagh succeeded in. Cillian won gold and Sheenagh bronze in the U15 age group.

As Cillian and Sheenagh arrived in Naas nerves about the great unknown began to settle in, having no idea of the race course that lay ahead of them. First up was a 300m swim, familiar settings for these two athletes who are accomplished swimmers. Both used this to their advantage and as a result gained some valuable seconds in the pool.

Next up was an 8km cycle. They put in a good effort here but the more experienced cyclists pulled back the lead they once had from the swim. However, Cillian and Sheenagh finished in style on the 2km run. The endurance training they receive with Sliabh Beagh helped them tremendously to push on even though their legs felt like jelly and exhaustion started to kick in. The two persevered brilliantly picking off other competitors one by one.

Sheenagh finished in a very impressive 6th place while Cillian did fantastic work placing 2nd.This was really outstanding as the majority of their competitors were part of triathlon clubs with experience in the event. A huge congratulations to you both.

Exam Good Wishes

From the Club committee, coaches.  The Best of Luck to Emer, Megan, Ciaran, John, James, Allison, Faolan, Claragh, Daniel, Kyle, Katie & Ellen who will be starting the State Exams.

The endurance and memory test has started.  Get stuck into it and do your best.  No postmortems.  Like with swimming Good Technique, Pace Management, Well Rested and Hydrated, You Will Succeed. Good luck everyone.

AquaSprint Final

Tomorrow evening (Friday 8th) our AquaSprint Team head to Dungannon to compete in the final of the Forest Feast Swim Ulster Junior Swimming League. Good Luck Everyone and remember #SwimFast #HaveFun.

Development Squad

Saturday 9th June is the final day of training for this season. We wish all our development Squad and their families a very good summer and look forward to seeing you return in September.

Summer Club Record Gala

This Sunday morning (10th June) sees our Summer Club Record gala. Once again swimmers will have the chance to break records which were made in previous summer galas, some from last year and some are going back to 2012!!

Sunday 10th will also be the final day of training for the year for Junior/Senior & Junior squads. We wish our swimmers and their families a very good summer and look forward to seeing you return in September.