As we approach the end of the swimming season, Killarney Swimming Club has had swimmers of every age and strength successfully competing in galas all over Munster with official results still coming in and more awaited.

First up, well done to all our swimmers who took part in the “A” gala in Mallow recently.  With the best swimmers in Munster competing, all at their optimum fitness level, we knew this would be a tough nut to crack.  However, our squad did us proud at all levels and brought home a fine haul of medals.

Girls under 11 – Pia Hickey, new to grade “A”, surprised everyone to take bronze in both the 100 metres backstroke and the 200 metres backstroke.  Congratulations Pia.

Girls under 13 – Treasa O’Sullivan turned on the style to win a bronze medal in an incredibly fast 200 metres backstroke race.

Girls under 15 – As always, Margaret O’Brien dominated the pool, easily winning gold in the 200 metres butterfly and following that up with a bronze in the 400 metres Individual Medley and yet another bronze in the 100 metres butterfly.  A stunning performance.

Boys under 17 – In this, the hardest category of them all, Killarney showed some real class with two of the club’s top swimmers in the pool.  Robert O’Brien saw off the best they could throw at him to win a precious gold medal in the 400 metres Individual Medley while Shane Courtney put in one of the best swims of the day to win gold in the 200 metres butterfly.  Finishing with a flourish, Robert O’Brien also grabbed a bronze in 100 metres butterfly.

Thanks to our coaches, Cathal O’Brien and Leontia Doody, who gave huge support and encouragement to all swimmers and to our team manager, Samantha O’Connor who, as always, was there to make sure everything went to plan.  Thanks also to all parents for travelling and assisting.

Finally, a reminder to everyone that our end-of-year outing takes place this Saturday the 28^th of May.  While great surprises are planned, we can tell you that it’s on in Castlegregory and that a pair of togs are essential!  Also, there is a new rule that all adults on the bus must sing on the way home, so a set of earphones might be a good idea!