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Great SWSC performances at Irish Open Nationals in NAC Dublin, April 19 to 23
A large group of 17 SWSC swimmers qualified for this event though only 15 travelled, since two were involved in Leaving Cert preparation. As in previous years this 5-day event is the highlight of the Irish season, serving as trials for International meets like the European Senior and Junior Championships and Commonwealth Games later in the year. To optimise individual performances, relays are not included; the club relays in the McCullagh meet, where it will be recalled our women’s team excelled, serving that function. Nine top Irish swimmers had been pre-selected for this summer’s Internationals on the basis of qualifying for the 2021 Olympics, so most did not participate. This actually served to make the meet more competitive and it was great to see a new cohort of younger swimmers participating. It was also good to see spectators again after the protracted lockdown. Apart from the 800 and 1500 freestyle which were run as HDW, all events had morning heats leading to ten swimmer A, Junior and B finals in the evening so most of our competitors got to swim twice (see detailed results on Meet Mobile). Our swimmers participated in 53 events and there were 27 PBs, seven club records and two Irish Junior records.
Our outstanding male swimmer was 18 year old Liam Custer who is based in Florida, where he trains with Sarasota Sharks. Liam is finishing High School and has been awarded a scholarship to Stanford University to begin this autumn. He won the 400IM and 800, and 1500 freestyle (the former two events in Irish Junior record times- a first for a SWSC swimmer in recent times). He was also second in the 200 fly and sixth in the 200 free-all in club records. He has achieved consideration times for several European Junior championship events (team to be announced soon), and is the first SWSC male swimmer to do so; Issey Hayes and Ally Cunningham achieving this distinction some years ago.
Our best female performances came from Sharon Semchiy in the 100 and 200 fly events. She was second in both, timing her finish to perfection in the 100 and hanging on courageously in the 200. She also beat her own club record in the 50 fly, where she finished sixth in a fast field led by Danielle Hill (Danielle had a great meet setting an ISR of 54.87 in the 100 freestyle).
Other SWSC personal best swims came from Rory Lee in the 50 and 100 back; Sean Bugler in the 50 back; Beth Nolan in the 50 fly, 200 IM and 50 Breast stroke (the latter a club record-meaning she now holds all three club LCM records); Anna Feenan in the 50 and 100 fly; Lauren Farr in the 100 and 200 back; Isabel Kidney in the 50, 100 and 200 Breast stroke and 200 IM; Amy Lynch in the 50 Breast stroke, and Antonina Sech in the 200 back.
Well done all. Looking forward to the summer but competition is intensifying!
Tom Cross,
Chair SWSC
GREAT WOMEN’S RELAY SWIMS AT THE McCULLAGH INVITATIONAL
The McCullagh Invitational meet held in the 50m pool in Bangor, County Down from February 23 to 25 was extremely competitive, with a large number of fast swimmers from England, Scotland and Wales, including several Olympic medalists. With no restriction on the number of non-Irish swimmers getting into A and B finals, it was difficult for native competitors but none-the-less several, including swimmers from SWSC made finals. Because tapering loses effect if used too many times during the season (and causes loss of training), most swimmers competed untapered. This meant slower times for many swimmers but to highly competitive racing.
Against this backdrop, it was great that our team of 12 swimmers between them achieved 24 personal bests (Sean Buglar two; Laoise Deasy three; Lauren Farr six; Michael Feenan one; Marc Galland three; Isabel Kidney three; Beth Nolan two; Sharon Semchiy four). In addition, some excellent times were recorded in the relays but these (apart from the first leg) cannot be used for individual PBs because of flying starts. All of this means that fitness is returning rapidly after the lockdown, and is a testament to most swimmers attending all training sessions, and to the efforts of Head Coach Richard Cassidy and his team for increasing training intensity. All club swims were recorded using the new iPad Pro, allowing for rapid post-race analysis. In addition, some of these swims are club records, but work is underway on this part of the website, so confirmation will be delayed.
It was in the women’s relays that the most exceptional results were recorded, as those of you who were following the action will be aware! At the start of the Thursday session our 4 x 200 freestyle relay of Sharon, Lauren, Beth and Anna Feenan won gold. At the end of the same morning session our 4 x 100 Medley relay, with Isabel Kidney replacing Anna, was second. Finally, on the Friday morning, the 4 x100 free relay, with the same composition as the 4 x 200 were third. This group of medals adds to the two bronze medals that our team achieved in the Short Course Championships last December. Very well done girls!
Tom Cross
SWSC Chairperson
C
McCullagh International
Swim Ireland’s messages regarding spectators at the McCullagh International:
As we step up preparations for the return to Bangor for the exciting McCullagh International, Swim Ireland & Swim Ulster are pleased to announce that every session of the 2022 McCullagh International will be livestreamed via Swim Ireland’s YouTube.
Like all our clubs, athletes, and supporters we have been excited to get back to competition this season. Keeping our athletes and volunteers safe, whilst providing a fun environment are of the upmost importance to us. With the large number of entries and with the health and safety of all attending the competition a priority, we have taken the difficult decision to not allow spectators at this event.
The capacity limit in Bangor Aurora spectator area is 960. With 600+ swimmers entered, their support teams, our officials and staff all set to be at the venue, which will total 800+, it would not be possible to ensure the health and safety for everyone in attendance.
At all times when organising events during the COVID-19 pandemic, our priority has been ensuring we offer the safest possible environment. We also try and implement social distancing wherever possible, and will have designated areas for each club. And so, on this occasion we feel that due to space pressures in the Bangor Aurora gallery it would be an unnecessary risk to allow spectators.
We hope all who wished to intend as a spectator can understand the steps we have taken and will instead enjoy the McCullagh International from the comfort of their homes.
McCullagh International Officials Rota:
SWSC Committee
Congratulations to Lauren Farr
A big congratulations to Lauren Farr on receiving her Cork City and County Youth Sports Star Award 2022, for her performance at the Irish Short course Championships and also for her selection on to the National squad.
Everyone at SWSC would like to wish Lauren continued success for the rest of the season.
SWSC Committee
Swim Ireland COVID-19 Update
Dear Clubs,
Thank you for your continued support over the last 2 years as we have negotiated the changing landscape created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Irish Government announced updated Public Health Measures on Friday 21st January and having reviewed the Northern Ireland Public Health Guidelines we have updated the COVID-19 guidance for all Swim Ireland clubs (ROI & NI)
We would remind clubs that COVID-19 is still present and is a cause for concern. We want our clubs and members to enjoy the sporting and social elements of our aquatic sports, whilst maintaining the diligence shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. An outbreak of COVID-19 cases in a club can have an impact on squads and teams by not being able to train or compete, which we want to avoid.
We would remind clubs and members of the following:
The main changes to COVID-19 restrictions for our clubs and members to note are as follows:
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your club support officer.
Clubs and Community Team
SWSC Cookbook
Welcome to our very own cookbook put together with recipes by SWSC swimmers and family members!
With so many different recipes (tried and tested), there is a dietary option & favourite here for everyone.
Funds raised help with the cost of Christmas treats, warm drinks, an Icecream van visit and much pool, gala and training equipment.
In turn, all swimmers in Learn to Swim right through to Juniors, Intermediates, Piranhas, Senior Squad and Masters Programme benefit.
Your support in purchasing this book at €15/copy awould be very much appreciated.
Joy Roncken
085 8140165
SWSC Committee