On Sunday the 18 December the club availed of a training opportunity in the NAC, Blanchardstown, Dublin. This session was for two hours in the 50m Pool. This was a new experience for the swimmers. Swimming over 50m, in 2.5m wide lanes and in water at a depth of 2.4m was different, tiring, refreshing and brought a new meaning to ‘keep going.’

Twenty-two swimmers had a go. The attitude was fantastic. The effort was unquestioning. The session was friendly initially, until the swimmers got a handle on how to swim in a 50m pool. Then the heat was turned up and the demand on the body increased. The response was positive and the desire to achieve the individual targets great to observe. Well done to all the swimmers. Feedback from the swimmers and some parents in attendance was very positive and all agreed that we should do this again, probably once every 3 months if possible. The attached photograph is of the group of swimmers who attended the session.

It is also humbling and inspiring to read the names of those who have represented Ireland in the Olympics since their inception, on the wall of honour at reception. It is also uplifting to know that the three times Olympic Champions in Water Polo, Hungary, were training in this very pool three months ago.

Finally a big thank you to Claire for setting up the opportunity through contact with the Ulster High Performance Coach and to John for arranging the bus.