SOME 28 members of the Enniskillen Lakelanders Swimming Club competed in Sunday’s Portadown Long Course Meet held at the South Lakes Leisure complex, Craigavon.

This marked the beginning of the Long Course season for these swimmers, who enjoyed the opportunity to compete in a 50m pool, and for some it was a chance to secure qualification times for upcoming Summer National events.

There were medals won by Ellie Dunlop (14), who claimed gold in the 50m Breaststroke, as well as second-place finishes in both the 100m Butterfly and 100m Breaststroke.

Jamie Lannon (15) brought home gold in the 100m Breaststroke and was second in the 100m Freestyle and 50m Freestyle.

Hannah Lynch (14) won silver in the 100m Freestyle, while Martha McCreesh (12) won gold in the 50m Backstroke. Emma Speer (12) was second in the 100m Breaststroke.

Qualification times and ‘consideration times’ for Summer National competitions were achieved by Kiril Chursin (17), Ellie Dunlop (14), Hayden James (16), Jamie Lannon (15), Luke Lannon (13), Kate McDade (15) and James Mongan (16).

New personal bests were picked up by Rory Aiken (15), Ryan Aiken (15), Holly Barkley (12), Josh Cassidy (13), Kiril Chursin (17), Darragh Collins (12), Hayden James (16), Katie James (13), Luke Lannon (13), Vita Lavrenova (16), Myleene Leonard (12), Holly McCabe (12), Kate McDade (15), Russell Mikiewicz Lumayad (13), Jessica Millar (12), James Mongan (16), Ryan Mongan (13), Ava Neal (13), Niamh O’Donnell (15), Tori Reid (13), Erin Salcedo (13), Sarah Speer (14) and Conal Walker (15).

Club Chairperson Aideen Speer expressed her delight in seeing such a large number of Lakelanders participating in this challenging 50m Long Course Gala, saying it demonstrated fantastic potential within the club for a very bright season ahead.

The club are busy preparing for their Spring Junior Gala planned for Sunday, March 5 at the Lakeland Forum Enniskillen.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for younger swimmers to gain competition experience, and we look forward to seeing young swimmers coming to Enniskillen to take part from surrounding clubs across the region.”