Congratulations to all our young swimmers who represented the Fermoy area with such style at the Community Games county swimming finals, in LeisureWorld, Bishopstown last weekend. The Fermoy team shouted and cheered each other on during each race, the occasion was hugely enjoyed by both swimmers and spectators alike.
Our fantastic swimmers were – Dane Fitzgerald, U14 backstroke – silver, Ailey Fitzgerald, U12 freestyle, William Verling U14 backstroke – gold, Peter Verling U12 breaststroke – silver, Margaret Verling U10 backstroke – gold, Zach Daniels-Howard U12 backstroke – gold, Harry Bates U12 freestyle, Katie Rice U12 breaststroke, Sean Finn U10 backstroke – bronze, Ellen Diggen U13 freestyle, Aisling Diggen U12 breaststroke – bronze, Shane O’Brien U10 freestyle, Aidan O’Brien U12 freestyle. Our girls U13 relay team put up a brave fight, but Glanmire were too strong on the day.
Our boys U13 relay team which comprised of Harry Bates, William Verling, Zach Daniels-Howard and Peter Verling, claimed gold in their U13 freestyle relay. A strong Youghal team pushed them all the way, but our boys never lost their strong first leg lead, and took the gold after a final leg which saw William Verling not take a breath for his entire swim. Determination indeed!
Our 3 gold medal winners will now go on to represent Cork at the national swimming finals, which take place in UL over the weekend of May 26/27, details are currently being finalised and we will let you know as soon as we get them. Any swimmer who won a silver is automatically first reserve for the finals, and should the county winner not be able to attend the finals, you will be contacted.
Sincere thanks to our wonderful sponsors, Synergy Credit Union, The Avondhu and Glanbia, without whose financial support we would not have been able to participate this year. All of our young swimmers thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the county finals, a gala which is always run in a fun, friendly atmosphere, with the emphasis very much on the joy of participation, and team spirit.
Thanks also to Catherine Verling and Seamus Fox, who worked tirelessly to make the day run as smoothly as it did. And to all the parents who helped out on the day, galas like this don’t happen without your help, so many thanks to everyone. A special word of thanks to Mary Haughney, who took on many roles on the day, and who made everything run like clockwork, with her magic touch, thanks Mary!
