Local swimmers compete in Lisburn gala

Participants from across the province enjoyed an excellent weekend of competition show-casing some of our strongest local swimmers.

Forest Feast one of Ireland’s leading dried fruit, nuts and seeds brands, through its association with Swim Ulster, sponsored the exhilarating 50m Breaststroke Skins Event. The Skins Events focus on speed and endurance, in a knock-out format, with a different stroke profiled at each meet.

Following men’s and women’s heats the eight fastest swimmers across all age groups compete in a series of finals where the slowest swimmer in each race is eliminated from the pool culminating in a highly charged swim off between the fastest two competitors. Both the winners and runners up receive a cash prize, courtesy of the Forest Feast sponsorship.

The Women’s Breaststroke Skins final included swimmers from across a wide range of age groups and clubs including 11 year olds Esme Hall and Kendra Kemp from Banbridge and Larne, 12 year old Victoria Johnston from Templemore, Erin Bain, 13 years, from Dungannon, 14 year olds Clarissa Ritchie, Hannah McDermott and Louise Hill from Ards, Breifne and Larne as well as 22 year old year old Alison Todd from City of Belfast.

After a series of exciting 50m swim offs, Alison Todd met Louise Holt in an explosive final with top seed Alison displaying great speed and stamina to win the event.

The mens event was equally tense with swimmers of all ages from across Northern Ireland including 11 year olds Jonathon Stewart and James Hume from Lisburn and Templemore, 13 year olds Jonathon Deasy and Cameron McDonald from Dungannon and Banbridge, 16 year old John McCallion from Swilly Seals, Letterkenny and 17 year old James Hamilton from Larne qualifying for the swim off.

The final was contended between Cathal O’Neill aged 16 from Strabane ASC and Michael Boyce, 15, from Swilly Seals, Letterkenny. Following a fast, first 25m by both competitors Cathal moved ahead to clinch a win to the delight of the Strabane supporters.

Banbridge swimmers had enjoyed success even before the 50m breaststroke skins final had commenced. Esme Hall had taken the podium securing a gold in the 11 year old 50m breaststroke skins event and Cameron McDonald, a silver in the 13 year old event.

Lorraine Hall, Sales and Marketing Director, Kestrel Foods comments: “We are delighted to sponsor the 50m breaststroke skins event and to enjoy the competitive spirit and outstanding calibre of all participants at the Swim Ulster Valentines Graded Gala.”

The sponsorship between Forest Feast and Swim Ulster underpins the strong connection between healthy eating and swimming as an accessible sport for all.