Last Sunday 26 swimmers from the club travelled to The Lake land Forum, Enniskillen to test themselves in a Level 2 Gala. The majority of the swimmers are from our Senior Aqua squad and the Junior squad. A few from the Inter squad and Seniors also attended.
The gala was very well attended and getting an adequate warm up was very restricted. Swimmers from Baileborough, Cavan, Dungannon, Ballyshannon, Strabane, Letterkenny, Omagh, Cookstown, Belfast, Larne and of course Enniskillen attended. Breffni from Cavan, Marlins from Ballyshannon, Otters from Strabane and Swilly Seals from Letterkenny had big numbers present.
Our swimmers got stuck into the task of swimming either 50m or 100m in their respective age groups. 9 – 11 was 50m race distances and 12 + were swimming 100m races. Our novice swimmers really did very well. They were challenged to swim in front of a big crowd of onlookers. To swim legally – within the strict rules of competition. To try and perform complex movements, under pressure, at speed and to not be exhausted too soon, is not simple. Then they had to face the coach who had some positive and negative things to impart from his / her observations of the swim. Then they had to meet the parents. Character building definitely!
The more experienced swimmers have mastered the above gauntlet but then the feedback is very focused at their level. Nevertheless it is always a key moment in a swimmer’s evolution.
In general, the effort witnessed was excellent. The effort to apply the technical stuff was admired. The swims were mostly very good and results via PB’s, placings and medals were a benefit and appreciated.
Specifically the coaches report that starts need some more practice (sharper), turns need attention and fitness will be developed as the season progresses. Stroke execution varied from excellent to needing attention. Spirit, support, courage and keeness were present in abundance.
The notes the coach took, will be provided to the respective squad coaches, for attention and discussion with the swimmers in the coming weeks.
So overall it was a good early season gala. A test. A measure. Something to work off and improve upon for the next gala outing.
There was quite a number from the club who got a top 10 Finish in their respective races and a few who came agonising close in 4th position. The following swimmers made it to the podium.
Annie Carroll 50M Breaststroke 9-11 Yrs, Gold Medal. Grace Coyle 100M Fly 12& over, Bronze Medal. Eanna Curren 9-11 Yrs 50M Fly, Silver Medal. Tadgh Lennon 9-11 Yrs 50M Free, Bronze Medal.
A few swimmers were unable to attend as they were struck down with sickness prior to the gala.
Well done to the following who attended.
Maria Nowacka, Aoife McKenna, Aisling Duffy, Annie Carroll, Rebakah Gillis, Sean McConnon, Matthew McQuaid, Tadgh Lennon, Brion Sherry, Eanna Curran, Susie O’Flaherty, Hannah Sheridan, Katie Trainor, Sheenagh McKenna, Ruadhan Curran, James Campbell, Eimear Duffy, Isabelle Burke, Ursula McGeough, Cormac McMahon, Ben Duffy, Caitriona McGeough, Hannah Skeath, Emily Madden, Conor Curran, Daniel Madden.