Young Lakelanders Swim to Success in Belfast
01 Feb 2026
Young Lakelanders Swim to Success in Belfast
Photos by Cara O'Donohue
On Saturday 31st January, 13 young swimmers from Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club competed in Round 3 of the Swim Ulster Future Challengers Series at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, Belfast. The meet attracted over 450 swimmers aged 10–14 from across Ulster, all taking on the more challenging events of Individual Medley (IM), Backstroke and Butterfly.
The Lakelanders squad rose to the occasion, relishing the opportunity to race against strong provincial competition while aiming for personal best performances.
Charlie Brewster (10) enjoyed a standout debut at the Future Challengers Series, finishing second in his age group in both events. His performances were highlighted by a particularly strong first attempt at the demanding 100m IM.
Mollie Kate Brewster (11) produced an exceptional series of swims. Competing in the 200m IM for the first time, she finished strongly to secure first place in her age group by an impressive margin of over 12 seconds. She followed this with further excellent performances in the 50m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke, placing first and third in her age group respectively. Mollie Kate was delighted to take home three Swim Ulster bronze awards for her times across all events, marking a superb start to the series.
Poppy Brownlee (12) impressed with two strong swims, achieving a new personal best in the 100m Backstroke by taking nine seconds off her entry time. She also rose to the challenge of a new event, the 100m Butterfly, producing a confident performance.
Ella Rose Carron (11) enjoyed a great swim in the 100m IM, knocking six seconds off her personal best, and also performed well in the 50m Backstroke.
Eoghan Donnelly (12) had an excellent day in the pool, recording three personal bests. He cut five seconds from both his 100m IM and 100m Backstroke times, and a further four seconds from his 50m Butterfly.
Emily Irvine (11) delivered an outstanding performance with three superb swims, achieving three personal bests. She placed an impressive fifth overall in the 100m IM, dropped over nine seconds from her 50m Butterfly, and capped off the meet by winning a bronze medal in the 100m Backstroke.
Lauren Loizides (14) also enjoyed a successful outing, achieving three new personal bests by taking four seconds off her 100m Backstroke, one second off her 100m IM and three seconds off her 50m Butterfly.
Tiana Mbeulani (13) recorded two solid swims, maintaining her times in both the 100m Individual Medley and Backstroke.
Erin McGrath (11) produced an excellent performance, recording two new personal bests, including an impressive ten-second improvement in the 100m IM, along with a PB in the 50m Backstroke.
Elin O’Donohue (12) put in two strong swims, staying close to her entry time in the 100m Individual Medley and impressing in the 50m Butterfly by shaving nearly four seconds off her time.
Daithi Owens (13) enjoyed a strong day at the gala, producing three good swims and celebrating a seven-second personal best in the 100m IM.
Isabella Rasdale (11) swam consistently, maintaining her times in the 100m IM and 50m Butterfly, and performing well in her first 100m Backstroke.
Kaelan Rice (13) completed the squad’s performances with two excellent swims, achieving personal bests in both the 100m IM and Backstroke.
Club Gala Secretary Aideen Speer praised the squad’s achievements in Belfast, noting that the performances bode well for the coming months.
“Our junior swimmers are showing incredible determination and commitment to their sport. Under the leadership and support of Head Coach Fionna Orr, Coach Chelsey Weir and the wider coaching team, we are race-ready and really looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The club also expressed its sincere thanks to Lough Erne Resort and Western Cars for their continued support of the swimmers.
- 03 May 2026An Ulster title, a slew of medals and PBs home to Enniskillen from Ulster Champs
A squad of 9 swimmers from Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club attended the Ulster Age Group and Senior LC Championships at the Bangor Aurora Leisure Complex on 1st, 2nd & 3rd May. Competitors from across 32 clubs in Ulster met the tough qualification standards to take part in this key meet over three days, targeting Ulster podium spots, and those important Summer National qualification times. - 26 Apr 2026Lakelanders top the medal board at Spring Gala
Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club held their Spring Junior Gala on Sunday 26th April, an event aimed at younger swimmers. As the Lakelanders approach the first year complete at their temporary base at Omagh Leisure Centre and there was much excitement among the swimmers from the outset with 41 swimmers from Enniskillen Lakelanders taking part. They were joined by competitors from eleven other Ulster swimming clubs. For many of the 8-14 year-old competitors, this would be one their first experiences of individual competition, that all important first step for every sportsperson. - 19 Apr 2026Cracking Racing in Craigavon for Enniskillen Lakelanders' Swimmers
Portadown ASC and Lurgan ASC hosted the South Lake Open Meet 2026 at South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon on Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th April. A total of 26 Enniskillen Lakelanders’ swimmers competed over the two day meet.
Saturday morning saw fantastic swimming by 11 of our younger athletes competing in a range of 25m races in the short course format. Many PBs were smashed with the young Lakelanders doing their club proud in the pool. - 29 Mar 2026Enniskillen Lakelanders' swimmers clinch medals & top ten finishes for their sch
The Irish Minor Schools Championships 2026 took place on Sunday 29th March at the National Aquatic Centre, Dublin. 10 Enniskillen Lakelanders swimmers aged 12 and under made the journey, having qualified in November at the regional schools gala in Bangor and were high with excitement as they headed off to Dublin to do their schools proud on the National stage. - 22 Mar 2026Lakelanders Success at Future Challengers Gala in Lisburn
On Saturday 21st March, a group of 14 young swimmers from Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club took part in Round 4 of the Swim Ulster Future Challengers Series, held at Lagan Valley Leisureplex in Lisburn. The competition drew over 450 swimmers between the ages of 10 and 14 from across Ulster.
Participants competed in a range of more demanding events, including Individual Medley (IM), Breaststroke, and Freestyle. The Lakelanders swimmers performed with determination throughout the meet, embracing the challenge of competing against a high standard of provincial opposition while striving to achieve personal best times. - 16 Mar 2026Lakelanders claim awards & PBs in Bangor
11 Enniskillen Lakelanders’ swimmers travelled to the Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, Bangor to compete in Round 2 of Swim Ulster’s ‘Aspiring Champions’ Meet Series on 14th & 15th March. This spectacular 50m pool was the perfect venue for the many challenging events the Fermanagh swimmers were eager to dive into over the weekend. - 16 Feb 2026Lakelanders take the Lead in Lisburn
A squad of 33 Enniskillen Lakelanders’ swimmers attended the Swim Belfast Open Meet on Sunday the 15th of February in Lagan Valley Leisureplex, Lisburn. The gala was a great success for the Fermanagh swimmers who relished the opportunity to compete against swimmers from clubs across Ulster, Leinster & Connacht, returned home with numerous medals and personal best times. - 12 Feb 2026Past & Present Lakelanders lead the way for Fermanagh at Swim Ulster’s Senior Sc
Local Swimmers Sparkle for their Schools as Past & Present Lakelanders lead the way for Fermanagh at Swim Ulster’s Senior Schools’ Cup & Championships in Bangor
The Swim Ulster Schools Cup & Championships 2026 took place on Friday 6th February at Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex Bangor. Over 1000 swimmers from more than 130 schools across the province of Ulster took part in the one day event. Three local schools were part of the action with 22 local swimmers taking part. - 01 Feb 2026Young Lakelanders Swim to Success in Belfast
On Saturday 31st January, 13 young swimmers from Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club competed in Round 3 of the Swim Ulster Future Challengers Series at Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, Belfast. The meet attracted over 450 swimmers aged 10–14 from across Ulster, all taking on the more challenging events of Individual Medley (IM), Backstroke and Butterfly.
The Lakelanders squad rose to the occasion, relishing the opportunity to race against strong provincial competition while aiming for personal best performances. - 26 Jan 2026Lakelanders Secure Medals & PBs at Swim Ulster Open Meet in Bangor
6 Enniskillen Lakelanders’ swimmers competed at Swim Ulster’s Open Long Course Meet at the Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex in Bangor on the 24 & 25th January. Swimmers from clubs all over Ireland attended this exciting start to the Long Course season and the Lakelanders were eager to race their fellow athletes in the fabulous 10 lane 50m pool at the Aurora.
Follow Us
