Well done to all our swimmers who took part in the “B” gala in Tralee on Saturday the 19^th of March.  We are now moving into the business end of the swimming calendar with swimmers from all clubs reaching their peak of fitness, making it far more difficult to win medals.  Despite this, Killarney swimmers were the big achievers on the day, winning nearly a third of the medals on offer.  Congratulations Killarney!

Boys under 11 – Ross O’Leary had a marvellous day out, showing true class to take gold in the 100 metres backstroke and the 200 metres Individual Medley and silver in the 200 metres freestyle and the 100 metres breaststroke.

Girls under 13 – Once again, Saibh O’Brien was in scintillating form winning gold medals in the 100 metres backstroke and the 100 metres freestyle and a silver medal in the 200 metres freestyle.  Aisling Coffey, new to this category, showed some serious potential seizing silver in the 100 metres butterfly and bronze in the 200 metres freestyle.

Boys under 13 – Charles O’Brien gave us a masterclass in style winning gold in the 100 metres backstroke, gold 100 metres breaststroke and silver in the 200 metres Individual Medley.  Meanwhile, Ethan O’Neill took a fine bronze in the 100 metres breaststroke, in what was a very competitive section.

Girls under 15 – In this category, two Killarney girls stood out with Emer Dineen winning a well-deserved bronze in the 100 metres butterfly and Meadbh O’Sullivan, showing a return on all the hard training by winning bronze in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Boys under 15 – Sean Farndon was really up for a fight on the day and literally left other swimmers in his wake to take gold in the 200 metres Individual Medley, silver in the 100 metres breaststroke and yet another silver in the 100 metres freestyle.  However, the biggest prize of all was that Sean made his “A” grade times on the day!  Sean now moves out of “B” gala competition – competitors at “A” galas can only tremble.

Paul O’Leary was another man on fire winning gold in the 100 metres breaststroke, silver in the 100 metres backstroke, silver in the 200 metres Individual Medley and a bronze in the 200 metres freestyle. Well done, Paul.

Girls over 16 – Janine O’Connor once again swept the board in this category winning gold in the 200 metres freestyle, gold in the 100 metres backstroke, gold in the 200 metres Individual Medley and silver in the 100 metres breaststroke.

With some superb tumble-turns and speed off the blocks, Emma Quirke took silver in the 200 metres freestyle, silver in the 100 metres backstroke, bronze in the 200 metres Individual Medley and bronze in the 100 metres breaststroke.  Certainly a swimmer to watch out for in upcoming galas.

Relays – In the girls under 12 freestyle relay event, the Killarney team of Aisling Coffey, Maura O’Keeffe, Ellen O’Connor and Saibh O’Brien were, quite simply, a force of nature. Taking the lead from the moment the race started, they never lost that advantage and by the time Saibh O’Brien took to the water on the final leg, the gold medals were well and truly in the kitbags.  Well done, girls and particular congratulations to Saibh O’Brien who also made her “A” grade times and moves out of “B” galas.  While this will be a huge loss for this brilliant young relay team, the search for a replacement has begun already with the coaches tight lipped on potential candidates!  Unofficially, we understand that assessments will continue until May when the new relay team will be announced.

Thanks to our coaches, Cathal O’Brien and Leontia Doody, who gave huge support and encouragement to all swimmers on the day and to our team manager, Samantha O’Connor who, as always, was there to deal with all trials and tribulations as they arose. Thanks also to all parents for travelling and for assisting in the timekeeping down on deck.