Nineteen Enniskillen Lakelanders swimmers travelled to the Coral Leisure Centre in Monaghan on Sunday, December 1, for the Sliabh Beagh Swimming Club’s Winter Cluster Meet.

Seven swimmers competed in the morning session, aimed at 12–18-year-olds, where the Lakelanders demonstrated that their hard work in training is paying off.

Holly Barkley (13) delivered three strong swims, achieving a top-ten finish in her 200m Freestyle.

(Image: Impartial Reporter)

Darragh Collins (13) had an excellent start, competing in his first long-distance 800m Freestyle event, finishing as the second-fastest 13-year-old.

He also produced strong swims in the 100m Backstroke and Freestyle, earning two top-five finishes in his age group. Darragh was particularly pleased to knock seven seconds off his personal best (PB) in the 100m Breaststroke.

(Image: Impartial Reporter)

Luna Murphy (13) had a good day with two new PBs in the 100m and 200m Freestyle, including a well-earned eight-second improvement in the 200m Freestyle, finishing in the top ten for her age group.

Ava Neal (14) successfully competed in four races and achieved PBs in all. She returned home with two silver medals in the 200m and 100m Freestyle, and two bronze medals in the 200m and 100m Breaststroke.

Anton Neal (13) was thrilled to achieve a massive 19.48-second PB in his 200m Breaststroke, along with another PB in the 100m Freestyle.

Ella Neal (12) was delighted to shave a remarkable 12.55 seconds off her PB in the 100m Freestyle and secured another PB in the 100m Backstroke, placing in the top ten in both events.

Finlay Walker Leonard (13) achieved top-ten finishes and two PBs in the 100m Backstroke and 100m Breaststroke.

In the afternoon session, aimed at swimmers aged 12 and under, 16 Lakelanders competed.

Tara Collins (9) enjoyed her first competitive 'away' gala, achieving a top-ten finish in the 9-year-old girls' 50m Breaststroke and knocking an impressive 18 seconds off her 100m Individual Medley PB.

Orlaith Howell (9) secured PBs in all three of her events, finishing as the second-fastest 9-year-old girl in the 50m Breaststroke with a three-second PB.

She also reduced her 100m Individual Medley time by nine seconds and her 50m Backstroke by one second.

Mollie Kate Brewster (9) swam three PBs in her four events, winning gold in the 50m Butterfly, silver in the 50m Backstroke, and bronze in both the 100m Individual Medley and 100m Freestyle. She was the fastest 9-year-old in all her events.

Finn Coyle (9) achieved a 17-second PB in his 100m Freestyle, earning a bronze medal in the event.

He also finished in the top ten in the 50m Backstroke and 50m Breaststroke and was the fastest 9-year-old in his 100m Freestyle.

Joseph McKenna (9) earned a silver medal in the 50m Breaststroke and a top-ten finish in his 100m Freestyle with a 12-second PB, also finishing as the fastest 9-year-old in the Breaststroke.

Niamh Howell (10) competed in four events, securing gold in the 50m Breaststroke with a new PB. She also placed in the top three in the 50m Backstroke and the top ten in the 100m Individual Medley, alongside a strong swim in the 50m Butterfly.

Tiana Mbeulani (11) achieved PBs in the 50m Breaststroke and 100m Freestyle.

Kealan Rice (11) secured PBs in all four of his events, including a 17-second improvement in the 100m Freestyle.

Michael Carron (11) competed in four events, achieving PBs in the 100m Individual Medley and the 50m Butterfly.

Conor Collins (11) swam three events, claiming PBs in the 100m Individual Medley and the 100m Freestyle, with improvements of six and nine seconds respectively.

Charles Armstrong (12) swam three events and achieved a PB in his 50m Breaststroke.

Enniskillen Lakelanders Club Chairperson, Aideen Speer, commended all the swimmers on their outstanding performances, with numerous medals and PBs across the board.

She also expressed gratitude to the parents, particularly those who volunteered on the day, and to the coaching team for their excellent work.

“This was also a sad day for many Lakelanders,” Speer noted. “With the possibility that this may have been their last gala due to the proposed closure of the Lakeland Forum. However, all the swimmers did their club proud.”

Next weekend, the club heads to the final Future Challengers Gala of the year at Omagh Leisure Centre, and best wishes are extended to all the swimmers.