Congratulations to everyone who participated in this weekends gala in Newross. This division 2 Winter qualifiers meet was a grueling competition that lasted over 2 days and saw PBs smashed. Well done to all involved, especially the parents and coaches who give their time and expertise into what can now only be confirmed as our 'up and coming' athletes.
Sorcha Mathews, who only last Friday moved up an age group made her presence felt as she made all 3 finals. This 11 year old set PBs in the 100m final of the Butterfly in an outstanding time of 1min 55secs. She also produced the goods when it came to the 200 freestyle in a time of 3min 20secs and 200m breast stroke in 4min 27secs.
William Goodwin had no problem displaying his potential when he also lowered his PBs in both the 400m freestlye to 7mins 14secs and his 100m breast stroke to 1min 48secs. When asked what she thought of this promising young 13 year old, his coach Eimear Mathews said "I'm immensely proud of him, as I am of all the swimmers that have come here today. They are consistent and are constantly improving".
Not to be out done, the youngest member representing Piranha, Diarmaid Faherty who is 8 years old set his PB in the 50m freestyle in an astonishing time of 59secs. Watch this space.
Diarmaid's 11year old sister, Claire made the podium in her 400m freestlye with a time of 6min 51 In the 200m breaststroke Claire stepped up a spot to take the silver with a time of 3min 54sec.
This was a mirrored display of 12 year old Kayleigh Mather who had no problem performing under pressure as she too, took home a sliver in 400m freestyle in a time of 6min 40 and a bronze in the 200m freestyle in 3min 11secs.
13year old Aoife Byrne had great pleasure during her race as her relaxed and perfected 200m backstroke placed her number 1 with an excellent time of 2min 51sec.
Her brother, Ross Byrne placed 3rd in the 200m freestyle in a time of 2:35:93. While he also posted the 2nd fastest time of the day in the IM in a time of 3:01 and the 100m Fly in 1:31, it was disappointing that he was unable to take part in the finals.
15 year old Tagdh Mathews gained a deserving place in the finals of the 100m breast stroke when he posted a time of 1:33. He went on to take the silver in the finals with a 1:35 time. He proved to be consistent in the 100m freestyle when he posted 1:13 in the heats and earned himself a bronze in the finals with the same result. Still not happy with 2 medals, he decided to prove himself again in the 400m freestyle with a time of 6min 22sec. Did I mention that this young man is only 15? Scary isn't it?
His elder brother Tom, who has been carrying an injury, shrugged this off as if he was Michael Phelps himself and hauled home 2 medals. In his heats of the 100m freestyle Tom posted a time of 1:01. He added 2 seconds to this time to take the silver in the finals. He was to join Aoife Byrne in taking home another gold for the club when he finished 1st place in the 100m breaststroke in 1:17.
Congratulations everyone who took part. Your hours of training in the pool are without a doubt paying off. Remember: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Sinead.
