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.

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