Well done to all our swimmers who took part in the “B” gala in Tralee recently.  This was a huge swimming event with races running from 9:30 am through to 6:30 pm and, being the last “B” gala of the current season, medals were as scarce as teeth in a hen but our squad did us proud winning far more than their fair share.

Boys under 11 – Ross O’Leary was in fine form winning gold in the 200 metres Individual Medley, gold in the 100 metre butterfly and a tidy little bronze in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Girls under 13 – Ellen Farndon was superb on the day, leaving the opposition in her wake with her classy tumble-turns.  Deservedly, she took home gold in the 200 metres Individual Medley and silver in the 100 metres backstroke.  Orlaith O’Sullivan won a truly magnificent silver medal in the 100 metres breaststroke.  Well done, Orlaith.  Meanwhile, in a tough, gruelling battle, Ellen O’Connor took a fantastic bronze in the 100 metres butterfly.

Boys under 13 – Charles O’Brien was in great form winning every colour medal available; gold in the 100 metres breaststroke, silver in the 100 metres backstroke and bronze in the 200 metres Individual Medley!  Normally this would be a fantastic haul for any club in this highly competitive age group – but not for Killarney, for we had Ethan O’Neill who had nothing but medals on his mind from the moment he hit the water.  Swimming in four races, Ethan took four medals – gold in the 200 Individual Medley, gold in the 100 metres backstroke, silver in the 200 metres freestyle and silver in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Boys under 15 – Another man on fire was Paul O’Leary who continued on his winning ways seizing a gold medal in the 100 metres backstroke, another gold in the 100 metres breast, a silver in the 200 metres freestyle and a silver in the 200 metres Individual Medley.

Girls over 16 – Emma Quirke had another great day in the water winning a well-deserved silver in the 100 metres backstroke and a second silver in the 100 metres breaststroke.

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 deserves to be nominated for Sainthood at this stage. Thanks also to all parents for travelling and assisting on deck.