Last weekend five Sliabh Beagh swimmers travelled to the NAC to take part in the Irish Minor Schools Championships in the National Aquatic Centre. All swimmers had previously qualified in the Swim Ulster schools competition earlier in the season. As always the competition was very steep with swimmers from all across Ireland converge on the NAC for some fiercely fought heats and finals. As always the Sliabh Beagh swimmers rose to the occasion with all swimmers achieving personal bests, some making finals and others bringing home medals.
Congratulations to Caragh Leonard who had a fantastic gala winning two gold medals in the 50M Freestyle and 50M Breaststroke. Alannah Mc Gahon who took home two silvers in the 50M free and 50M Fly. Well done to Matthew Comiskey who won silver in the 50M Breaststroke.
Personal best times were also brought home by Sheenagh Mc Kenna, Darcy Walker, Ruadhan and Conor Curren. Well done everyone.
Derry Masters Gala
On Saturday the 30th of January Marcin Tobias and Peter O’ Hara travelled to the City Baths venue in Derry to compete in the Annual City of Derry Masters Gala. This event saw competitors come from clubs pre-dominatly within the Ulster region, but also saw a few committed swimmers making the journey from Dublin, Longford, Ennis, and even as far away as Cork.
Happy with the opportunity to get racing practice in, Marcin Tobias competed in the 100 IM and 100 breastroke events. A solid performance for Marcin as he achieved personal best times. This was Marcin’s first outing in Masters swimming and given he has limited opportunity to train, his times and performances were very impressive.
Peter competed in the 200 f/crawl, 100 f/crawl, 100 fly, 50 f/crawl and 50 fly. These races were competitive and finished closely. Peter enjoyed the racing and came away with 3 gold in 100 f/crawl, 100 fly, 50 fly and two silver in the 200 f/crawl and 50 f/crawl.
Overall the two lads enjoyed the day out, helped by a moderately competitive field and friendly atmosphere. The host club, City of Derry swimming club, were organised and very supportive in all aspects to ensure the competitors were fully catered and enjoyed the event to the full.
Well done to all! Next up is the Irish Masters Long Course Championships in Limerick in early March.
Sympathy extended to coach Ita O Hara on the death of her uncle Matthew Caulfield. May he rest in peace.