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Success was in the air again for Larne Swimming Club when thirteen of its swimmers took to the water at the Dave McCullagh Memorial Gala which was held at the University of Limerick’s 50m pool last weekend - the first long course meet of the season in Ireland’s swimming calendar. Despite the long drive to Limerick the Larne swimmers excelled at this prestigious event.
Larne’s infamous relays were out in force under the guidance of their coaches Raymond Skillen and Gary Williamson. Conor Leaney, David Johnston, Mark Wylie and Gavin Williamson pulled out all of the stops and took their first gold medal in the men’s 4 x 50m Freestyle Team Relay. The men’s relay team’s success did not stop there and Conor Leaney (Backstroke), Mark Wylie (Breaststroke), Phillip Carroll (Butterfly) and Gavin Williamson (Freestyle) went on to claim Larne’s second gold in 4 x 50m Medley Team Relay.
Larne’s achievements continued and together with his two gold medals in the relays, Gavin Williamson went on to take a further gold in the 50m Freestyle in a time of 24.66 (LC) then soon after, scooped the bronze medal when he was placed 3rd in a tightly fought race during the 100m Freestyle (54.65) and was a finalist in the 50m Breaststroke.
Team mate, Conor Leaney also had a fabulous weekend of swimming. Adding to his two gold medals from the relays, Conor went on to win the 200m Freestyle in a time of 1.55.22 (LC) but unfortunately was just pipped into second place during a gutsy race in the 400m Freestyle (4.07.82).
Mark Wylie aged just 15 was up against the men in this open meet but he showed that he could hold his own and whilst not making podium finishes in his individuals must be commended for what can only be described as feisty swims in the 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke when he made “A” finals in all three events.
Owen Williamson (16) qualified for this event for the first time and although nervous at the prospect of competing at this level, Owen recorded a new personal best time in both the 100m Freestyle and 400m Freestyle in which he knocked off over 4 seconds from his previous times.
James Hamilton who is an S14 swimmer and has represented Ireland on occasions at national events competed to a very high standard over the weekend. James recorded personal best times in 50m Breaststroke, 100m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle and 400m Freestyle and must be congratulated for his commitment and dedication which has produced these excellent results.
Kirsty Turner, Louise Hill, Kathryn Douglas, Sarah Shannon and Donna-Marie O’Prey may not have made the podium but they showed great potential during their swims. The experience of this event will stand them in good stead for future long course meets.
There was no time to rest following the Limerick trip and the swimmers were quickly back to their rigorous training schedule in preparation for the Irish National Long Course Championships, which will take place at the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin in April.
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