Junior Lakelanders triumphant at Aquasprint in Armagh

10 Apr 2022

Photo Credit: Mary Ann Salcedo

The Aquasprint league, sponsored by Forest Feast, is a starting point for the younger swimmers to compete in all strokes in 25m individual and relay races. Aquasprints are a great opportunity for children to build on what they have been learning in the pool with our coaching team led by Ben and Claire and then add speed to this in a competitive environment.

 

Aquasprint events always start with the Individual Medley Relays (Back, Breast, Butterfly & Freestyle). Lakelanders Group A saw Keira Salcedo, Daire Burke, Sophie Hanna and Emmett Coyle take to the water and finish a close second to the Armagh team. For Group B Emma Speer Martha McCreesh Mirko Mann and Darragh Collins were victorious for Lakelanders. Group C Luke Lannon, Erin Salcedo, Ava Neal and Enda Burke touched the wall in first place. With two out of 3 relays in the bag, Group D were determined to show they could do the same. With a very focussed team from each side pitted against each other, the Lakelanders’ team of Sarah Speer, Ryan Mongan, Hannah Lynch and Michael McGowan edged it by 4 seconds with a roaring crowd behind them. After taking 3 out of 4 relay the Lakelanders were off to a flying start and headed into the individual races in high spirits.

In the Backstroke races Lakelanders retained their first place position thanks to great swims by the young swimmers, many among them racing in one of their first galas; Clara Leonard, Maeve Rolston McAuliffe, Emmett Coyle, Anton Neal, Mirko Mann, Darragh Collins, Arlen and Muireann Cassidy and Beth Buchanan. Crucially the Lakelanders still retained their lead from the previous relays.

Breaststroke next, a stroke the Lakelanders usually dominate and as expected everyone swam to form with wins going to Keira Salcedo, Emma Speer, Ava Neal and Hannah Lynch. 2nd and 3rd spots went to Sophie Hanna, Daire Burke, Martha McCreesh, Mirko Mann, Erin Salcedo, Luke Lannon, Eimear Carey, Sarah Speer, Michael McGowan and Ryan Mongan. Great swims were also recorded by Muireann Cassidy, Myah Greene, Darragh Collins, Anton Neal, Emily Stewart, Enda Burke, Russell Mickievicz Lumayad and Josh Cassidy.  After this round the Lakelanders had stretched their lead further and the score was 115 to 88.

In the Butterfly races for many young Lakelanders it was their 1st such event and so as coaches Ben Wiffen, Sara Lannon and Aideen Speer watched in anticipation the swimmers didn't disappoint. Crucial wins went to Emma Speer, Hannah Lynch and Michael McGowan. Close 2nds went to Sophie Hanna, Martha McCreesh, Ava Neal, Enda Burke and Aoife Carey. All important points also for 3rds for Muireann Cassidy, Daire Burke, Luke Lannon and Enda Burke. Great swims were also recorded by Keira Salcedo, Emmett Coyle, Arlen Cassidy, Holly McCabe, Anton Neal, Darragh Collins, Emily Stewart, Erin Salcedo, Russell Mickievicz Lumayad, Sarah Speer, Josh Cassidy and Ryan Mongan.

In the Freestyle event Lakelanders triumphed again with Martha McCreesh, Ava Neal and Hannah Lynch hitting first spots and Sophie Hanna, Daire Burke, Emma Speer, Luke Lannon and Michael McGowan bagging valuable second places. 3rd positions attained by Keira Salcedo, Mylene Leonard, Beth Buchanan and Aoife Carey. Also adding to the points total were Emmett Coyle, Mirko Mann, Erin Salcedo, Enda Burke, Eimear Carey and Ryan Mongan.

As the individual races finished and with Armagh closing in on the Lakelanders’ points tally, the scene was set for a nail biting finish with the Freestyle Relay races.

The Lakelanders’ swimmers claimed victory in 3 out of the 4 group relay events. Group Bs Emma Speer, Darragh Collins, Martha McCreesh and Mirko Mann claiming first, followed by Luke Lannon, Beth Buchanan, Ava Neal and Enda Burke winning Group C. Adrenaline was tangible in the final Group D race with Hannah Lynch, Ryan Mongan, Eimear Carey and Michael McGowan touching into first place.

Special mentions for some of our newer swimmers clocking up valuable points for the Lakelanders team throughout the event; Tori Reid, Rebecca Curran, Holly Barkley, Anna May Hill, Ella Neal, Rebecca Curran, Katie McGowan, Maeve Rolston McAuliffe and Myah Greene.

With the Lakelanders unsure of the score totals with such a fast-paced Gala with many close calls in the individual events all eyes were on the scoreboard to see if their earlier dominance had carried them through to a team win. Cheers rang out when the result was announced: Armagh 184 with Lakelanders 219; a win for the Lakelanders bringing rapturous applause and smiles all around. Team Captains Hannah Lynch and Luke Lannon thanked the Armagh club for hosting the event and led the Lakelanders in a cheer for the Armagh swimmers, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship.

Team Manager Aideen Speer praised the efforts of the young Lakelanders, many of whom had never been to a competitive event before, saying 'what an enjoyable event and I'm so proud of all our swimmers who together have got us off to a great start in this year's Aquasprints league'.

The MVS (Most Valuable Swimmer) award went to Hannah Lynch with 4 first places in her individual events as well as helping secure first place in both her relay events.

Lakelanders Chairperson Sara Lannon acknowledged the time, effort and expense it takes to give the commitment to swimming saying, “I'm so pleased our swimmers got a positive result for their fabulous efforts today, but I also want to thank all the wonderful parents for their help, encouragement and commitment to their children. All our top swimmers started out in the Aquasprints and there is no better introduction to the fun of a swimming gala, no better way to encourage team bonding and friendships that last all the way through their journey in competitive swimming, well done to all.”

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