31 Jul 2023

Lakelanders reap the rewards of their hard work at the Nationals in Dublin

Swim Ireland's new look 2023 Irish Youth and Senior Summer National Championships took place at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin from Wednesday 26th to Sunday 30th July 2023 at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, Dublin. The five-day event saw 1125 swimmers from over 120 clubs compete from all over Ireland to as far afield as Dubai. The path to nationals is paved by hundreds of hours of pool and land training so to qualify for this prestigious competition is a huge achievement for all swimmers. There was high excitement and some nerves among the seven Enniskillen Lakelanders who had qualified. Nonetheless in the experienced hands of Head Coach Ben Wiffen, the team brought home several medals and PBs back to their club.

The youngest Lakelander to compete was Niamh O’Donnell (15) who competed in two events, thoroughly enjoyed her first experience at nationals and lifted PBs in both her events. Niamh was particularly proud of her 100m Backstroke performance, taking 1.37 seconds off her entry time, finishing in the top thirty in her age group.

Kate Mc Dade (15) was competing at her second summer National championships. On day one Kate competed in the 100m Breaststroke, qualifying for the final, putting in a storming swim to gain a bronze medal, with a 1.48 second PB. Day 2 saw more great swims and PBs for Kate in her 50m Freestyle and in her 200IM where she was placed 17^th in Ireland. Kate’s great form continued on day three where she picked up a silver medal in the 200m Breaststroke knocking an incredible 8.70 seconds of her entry time. Kate had a fantastic final day in her last race she swam the 50m Breaststroke open competition where she finished the 2^nd fastest 15 year old in Ireland. Kate was very proud to achieve a silver and a bronze medal and finishing in the top three 15 year old in Ireland in her three Breaststroke events.

16 year old Vita Lavrenova competed for her first time at the Irish Nationals with only joining the Lakelanders last year as a competitive member. Vita was thrilled to have qualified in the 50m Freestyle and pick up a new PB at the competition. A great experience for Vita  to take into next season.

 

16 year old James Mongan qualified for 3 events over the 5 days. James was on the National stage for the first time  and had a fantastic Championship. The 200m Backstroke saw him shave 2 seconds off his PB, finishing in the top thirty in his age group. James had also more great swims in the 200m Breaststroke taking off an incredible 3.86 sec and in the final day swam the 100m Backstroke, again taking off over 2 seconds. A great championship for James as he looks forward to next season.  

 

Unfortunately, experienced swimmer Anna Mc Dade (17), entered the competition carrying a back injury. Despite this Anna swam well in her three events, finishing just outside the top thirty in her 100m Breaststroke. Anna was very pleased to qualify for the 200m Breaststroke finals where she finished in seventeenth spot. Unfortunately, not the meet that Anna had hoped for but did herself and her club proud.

 

Kiril Chursin (17) qualified for four events and really enjoyed his second trip to Irish Summer Nationals. Kiril had very strong swims over the competition week. The 100m Breaststroke saw him shave 2.78 seconds off his PB and he gained another PB in his 50m Breaststroke. Kiril went on to swim a new PB in 50m Freestyle but the highlight of the week was dropping 2.25 seconds of his 100m Freestyle, a performance which gained Kiril a special Swim Ireland certificate in recognition of his time improvements.

  

Emilie Reihill (17) qualified for her third Irish Nationals, swimming in her favourite Freestyle events 50m, 100m & 200m. Emilie swam well maintaining her times  and enjoyed the week at the Summer Nationals.

Head Coach Ben Wiffen praised the swimmers’ efforts over the 5-day meet stating “Irish Nationals are always a highly competitive and tense event. It showcases the swimmers’ hard work throughout the year and I was extremely pleased with every swimmer’s individual performances. Multiple medals and PBs makes it all worthwhile.”  

Club Chairperson Aideen Speer praised the swimmers’ efforts and commitment to their sport. Aideen said ‘These swimmers have been training hard over the season and their success is testament to their dedication in the pool. All the swimmers and their families are also grateful to club sponsors Lough Erne Resort and Western Cars. Special thanks is reserved for Enniskillen Lakelanders’ Head Coach Ben Wiffen for his hard work with the swimmers throughout the season and during the 5 days of the event.’

We look forward now to next season but as a club we are very concerned for our future. Formed in 1970, Enniskillen Lakelanders has produced regional and National Swimmers but with the news that the Lakeland Forum is to close for an optimistic three years with no provision or alternative arrangements, the club’s future and the potential loss of swimmers in the county is inevitable unless there is a U turn in the current plan and an alternative site acquired for the new leisure centre or a temporary pool is provided. Since its establishment the Club has maintained a high profile in swimming across Ulster and Ireland. These opportunities are now being taken from our present members and future swimmers for the next number of years within the county. We strongly propose that a more informed plan is made for swimming in Fermanagh.

 

 

 

 

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