Well done to our competitive swimmers who travelled to the recent Gerry Ryan Gala which took place in the University of Limerick. A busy weekend, we had plenty of great swimming, pbs, division times and medals for our dedicated group.
First up was Zoe Daniels-Howard in the 12-14 girls 400m freestyle. A good swim from Zoe saw her improve on her previous best by -3.22 seconds. Later in the day, Zoe went on to win gold and achieved her national division 1 time in the 12-14 100m breaststroke with a PB of -0.58 seconds, and also had a PB in the 100m freestyle by -0.35 seconds. Finishing off her gala in style, Zoe won gold and achieved her national division 1 time in the 12-14 200m breaststroke and won gold in the 50m breaststroke in another PB. A trip to the NAC in July is secured for Zoe.
Team-mate Jodie Baker had a fantastic gala, and in her first event – the 12-14 200m IM – Jodie knocked an impressive -4.51 seconds off her previous best, claiming silver in this event and achieving her national division 1 time. Another silver was to follow for Jodie, when she swam a -0.52 PB in the 12-14 100m freestyle, and another division time. Not finished there, Jodie’s final event was the 200m open breaststroke, and another impressive PB (-2.94 seconds) saw her win bronze and bag her third division 1 time. A busy summer ahead for Jodie!
Next up, it was the turn of Zach Daniels-Howard. This was Zach’s first long-course gala and the young swimmer didn’t let the venue or the occasion overwhelm him, swimming a very good 100m backstroke in the 11 and under age group. Zach’s next event, the 50m butterfly, would see him win his first medal of the gala, claiming bronze after another good swim. Not finished there, he would go on to win gold in the 50m backstroke, nicely wrapping up his competitive outing.
Swim Ireland President, Maggie Purcell, pictured with Fermoy swimmers following their success at the recent Gerry Ryan Gala in University of Limerick, l-r: Zach Daniels-Howard, Zoe Daniels-Howard and Jodie Baker. Missing from photo is Fiona Miao and Mary O’Donnell.
In the first of 4 events for Fiona Miao, the 12-14 200m IM, she recorded a very impressive time when she had a -4.14 second PB. Another PB would follow in the 12-14 100m breaststroke when Fiona cut her previous best time by -4.98 seconds. Fiona then swam a great 50m backstroke and would end up winning silver in this event. She finished off her competitive outing with another fine swim in the 12-14 100m backstroke, narrowly missing out on the division 1 time by only 0.33. Super swimming by Fiona.
Mary O’Donnell had 2 events in this gala. An excellent effort in the 15 and Over 100m backstroke saw her PB by -0.05 seconds and Mary finished off her gala with another good swim in the 15 and Over 200m backstroke.
Well done to all the swimmers on the weekend and to the parents who travelled and helped out.
