Huge medal haul for Larne

Regarded as the premier age meet in the swimming calendar for swimmers aged nine to 17, clubs from all over Ulster gathered at Lisburn Leisureplex for the event. And between relays and individual swimmers, Larne boasted an incredible 220 entries at the meet.

Danielle Hill was the stand-out performer winning the best Overall Swimmer award. Her impressive haul of eight gold and two silver medals after three days of competition shows her form going into Irish Nationals and possible European Youth Olympic qalifying time. She set competition records in the 100m, 200m backstroke, 200m and 400m individual medley.

Cai Armstrong took top honours in the boys’ events, coming first in his 13-years age category, and fifth overall in the male section. Cai came away with five gold and five silver medals including two meet records in the 400 and 100 freestyle.

James Richardson was also in record-breaking form, taking apart the 100m freestyle record and winning two gold, two silver and two bronze over the weekend. Other notable swims came from Oonagh O’Neill winning the girls 14-year-old age group and amassing a fantastic individual total of five gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

Sinead Gourley, 13, won two gold and two silver and one bronze medal. Twelve-year-old Katie Barid took two golds, three silver and three bronzes. Lui Hurson, competing in the 12-year-old section, came away with two golds and two silver medals.

Finn Purdy, another of Larne’s 13-year-old boys, won two bronzes and achieved qualification to the Ulster Squad Team.

Other medal winners in individual events included: Scott Kane, David Hamilton, Conor Brines, Josh McAllister, John Montgomery, Ruairi Hurson.

Next up is the Irish Senior Championships later this month, when the club’s swimmers will be going for top honours in Dublin.