12 Jul 2026

Lakelanders Sparkle at National Championships in Limerick

 

Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club were well represented on the National stage at the 2026 Irish Age Group National Championships at the University of Limerick Sports Arena last week. Two young Lakelanders’ swimmers joined almost 700 swimmers from over 100 clubs competing over four days of exciting competition, bringing home a National title to Enniskillen.

Sophie Hanna (14) lit up the Summer Nationals, delivering personal bests in five races and climbing the rankings with every swim.

Growing in confidence race by race, Sophie saved her best for last. In the 100m Freestyle, she exploded off the blocks and stormed to an outstanding 1.5-second PB, rounding off a fantastic championship in style.

A brilliant display of talent, determination and progress on the national stage.

Jakub Mikiewicz Lumayad (12) attended his first Irish National Age Group Championships in Limerick, where he competed in six events and progressed to four finals, enjoying an outstanding championship debut.
On Day 1, Jakub raced in the 200m Freestyle, producing a remarkable 25-second personal best. His incredible improvement earned him the silver medal and a Gold Performance Certificate for his outstanding time improvement. He later competed in the 100m Breaststroke, finishing 6th in the final.
Day 2 saw Jakub compete in the 50m Freestyle, where he finished as the second-fastest 12-year-old in the open age group.
Day 3 proved to be the highlight of the championships. In the 100m Freestyle final, Jakub delivered a superb swim, taking a further three seconds off his personal best to claim the gold medal and become Irish National Champion. He also competed in the 200m Breaststroke final that evening, finishing in 5th place.
On the final day of the championships, Jakub took on the demanding 200m Individual Medley, where he maintained his time to round off an exceptional first appearance at the national championships.
Competing at his first national championships, reaching four finals, winning a national title, earning silver in the 200m Freestyle, and collecting a Gold Performance Certificate made it a memorable and highly successful week for Jakub.

Club PRO Janette Mongan praised the swimmers’ efforts over the 4-day meet stating ‘This Championships has been a fantastic event for these swimmers. They have performed extremely well over the meet, improving their racing strategy, clocking new PBs, qualifying for several finals, securing medals, gaining great race experience and inspiring our young swimmers at home in Fermanagh.'

These swimmers have been training hard over the season, having completed our first year training in Omagh with grit and determination.Their success is testament to their dedication in the pool. The swimmers and their families are also grateful to our club sponsors the Lough Erne Resort, Western Cars Enniskillen and all the businesses that have helped us throughout the year.

Special thanks is reserved for Enniskillen Lakelanders’ Head Coach Fionna Orr along with Coaches Chelsey Weir and Liam Campbell for their hard work with the swimmers.

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