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.”
- 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. - 07 Dec 2025Lakelanders’ future challengers deliver strong swims in Omagh
A strong squad of Lakelanders junior swimmers took part in Swim Ulster Future Challengers Meet 2 at Omagh Leisure Centre on Saturday.
Coach Chelsey Weir was there to support the young swimmers who brought home a substantial haul of medal award pins and a raft of new personal times. - 07 Dec 2025Success for Lakelanders at Sliabh Beagh Winter Gala
6 Enniskillen Lakelanders’ swimmers made the journey to the Coral Leisure Centre Monaghan for Sliabh Beagh Swimming Club’s Winter Cluster Meet on 6th & 7th December. - 30 Nov 2025Lakelanders Swimmers Shine for their schools at Ulster Schools Championships
Swim Ulster Primary Schools Cup and Championship was held at the Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, Bangor on Saturday 29th November 2025. Excited for this opportunity to represent their schools, 22 swimmers across 10 local schools headed to Bangor determined to do the South-West proud and qualify for the All-Ireland Championships held in Dublin in March. Although a school competition, all the students attending are committed members of the Enniskillen Lakelanders swimming club and mustered all their skills and training in competing against the best swimmers from schools across Ulster. A successful day saw 4 podium finishes and an amazing number of swimmers qualify for the All-Ireland primary school championship to be held at the National Aquatic Centre Dublin next year. - 10 Nov 2025Lakelanders push for top performances at Dungannon’s 40th Anniversary Gala
A squad of 10 Enniskillen Lakelanders’ swimmers attended Dungannon Swimming Club’s 40th Anniversary Gala on Sunday the 9th November at Dungannon Leisure Centre. The gala was a great success for the young swimmers who returned home with numerous personal bests. - 27 Oct 2025Lakelanders Host First Home Gala in Omagh
Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club held their Autumn Junior Gala on Sunday 26th October, an event aimed at younger swimmers. This was the club’s first Gala in their new temporary base at Omagh Leisure Centre and there was much excitement among the swimmers from the outset with 37 swimmers from Enniskillen Lakelanders taking part. They were joined by competitors from nine 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 Oct 2025Lakelanders secure awards and new PBs at Belfast Aspiring Champions Gala
11 swimmers from Enniskillen Lakelanders swimming club made their way to the Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre in Belfast to compete at Swim Ulster's Aspiring Champions Meet; the first Gala of the season for swimmers aged 13 and over. The event was held over two days, 18th & 19th October. Coaches across Ulster use this gala to assess and monitor swimmers' skills, providing the scaffolding for the building blocks for success in the coming season.
All the work so far on skills and technique resulted in a slew of Swim Ulster Awards, personal bests and many top ten finishes for the Enniskillen Lakelanders.
Follow Us
