Congratulations to all our swimmers who took part in the Grade I gala in Tralee on the 12^th of March.  A marvellous day out was had by all and a fine haul of medals brought back to South Kerry.

Under 13 Boys – Well done to Nathaniel Doncel who showed some fancy footwork to win a selection-box of medals in this age group, with a gold in the 200 metres Individual Medley, a silver in the 200 metres freestyle and a bronze in the 100 metres backstroke.

Under 15 Girls – Congratulations to Ellen O’Connor who stunned the pool with her awesome speed to take the gold medal in the 100 metres breaststroke.  Another girl in flying form was Aisling Coffey who won a lovely silver in the 200 metres freestyle.  Meanwhile, Eva Quinn (who is rapidly returning to full strength) won bronze in the 100 metres breaststroke.

Under 15 Boys – Ethan O’Neill pulled out all the stops to win a gold medal in the 100 metres backstroke and followed that up with a silver in the 100 metres breaststroke.  Paudie O’Leary won a tough but well-deserved pair of bronze medals in the 200 metres Individual Medley and the 200 metres freestyle.  Charles O’Brien won a beautiful silver in the 200 metres breaststroke but, more importantly, achieved his Division I times.  Well done to Charles and his coach, Cathal O’Brien.  We look forward to following your progress now that you’ve moved into the “big time”!

Girls Over 16 – Margaret O’Brien was in winning form all day, seizing gold in the 200 metres butterfly, bronze in the 200 metres freestyle and another bronze in the long-distance 400 metres freestyle.  Niamh Coffey, the girl with the classy tumble-turns, won a nice set of silver medals in the 200 metres Individual Medley and the 100 metres butterfly.

Boys Over 16 – Robert O’Brien put in some very powerful swims and fully deserved to win his gold in the 200 metres Individual Medley, another gold in the 200 metres breaststroke and the silver medal in the 100 metres breaststroke. Shane Kerins showed that he was a force to be reckoned with in the pool, winning a gold in the 100 metres butterfly and a silver in the very fast 100 metres freestyle.  Meanwhile the up-and-coming Paul O’Leary took a spectacular bronze in the 200 metres breaststroke.

Thanks to our coaches, Cathal O’Brien and Leontia Doody for all their help and patience on the day.  Thanks also to all parents for travelling and helping out.