Fermanagh swimmers shine at major Dublin meeting
The Enniskillen Lakelanders swimming club has made waves at the Swim Ireland Irish Youth and Senior Summer National Championships in Dublin. This five-day event, held at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, was a showcase of talent, attracting over 1,100 swimmers from across Ireland and even as far as Dubai. The competition was fierce, with qualifying being a significant achievement in itself, reflecting months of dedication and hard work.
Among the standout performers was Darragh Collins, a 15-year-old who impressed in four events. His personal best in the 50m Freestyle, breaking the 27-second barrier, was a highlight. Collins also recorded a PB in the 50m Breaststroke and contributed to an impressive six-second PB during the lead-off leg of the club’s 800m Freestyle Relay. This performance marked a major step forward for Collins, with multiple PBs, a national final appearance, and improved national rankings.
Ryan Mongan, another standout, was rewarded for his months of hard work with a new personal best in the 50m Breaststroke. He also played a crucial role in the club’s 800m Freestyle Relay team. Anton Neal, a 15-year-old, made his Irish Summer Senior National Championships debut, qualifying for the 50m Breaststroke and delivering a strong performance with an impressive new PB.
Conal Walker, who competed in two individual events, recorded a personal best in the 200m Freestyle while maintaining his time in the 50m Breaststroke. His 200m Freestyle swim was also vital to the club’s relay performance. The club was particularly proud to field a team in the boys’ 800m Freestyle Relay, with Collins, Mongan, Russell Mikievicz Lumayad, and Walker combining for an excellent overall personal best.
Lakelanders PRO, Janette Mongan, praised the swimmers for their dedication and commitment throughout the season. She stated, "These swimmers have been training hard over the season, and their success is a testament to their dedication in the pool." The club's efforts were further showcased by three Enniskillen swimmers representing Lurgan Swim Club, who also excelled at the championships.
Jamie Lannon, aged 18, qualified for four individual events and reached three Senior B Finals. He finished as the second-fastest Irish 18-year-old in the 100m Breaststroke and retained his position as Ireland’s fastest 18-year-old in the 200m Breaststroke, setting a new lifetime best of 2:24.94. Ellie Dunlop, aged 17, qualified in four events and reached the A Finals of both the 50m and 100m Breaststroke. Her standout result came in the 50m Breaststroke, where she finished fifth in Ireland.
Fifteen-year-old Luke Lannon qualified in five events and reached B Finals in both the 100m and 200m Breaststroke. He also competed in the 400m Individual Medley A Final, finishing ninth, while earning two bronze performance certificates through personal best swims. The achievements of these swimmers are all the more impressive given the commitment required to compete at the highest level.
Despite Enniskillen’s new leisure centre being under construction, Jamie, Ellie, and Luke make a two-hour round trip to Craigavon six days a week to train with Lurgan Swim Club. Their efforts were rewarded with outstanding performances at Ireland’s premier domestic swimming competition, showcasing the dedication and talent of these swimmers.
