GSC put in strong showing at the Leinster Long Course Championships
The Leinster Long Course Championships, which were held on 22-24 March at the NAC, were the last chance for GSC’s swimmers to get some long course racing experience before the Irish Nationals which take place at the end of April.
With 17 swimmers competing over the weekend, there were 34 PS’s achieved in Dublin and 15 podium finishes.
GSC’s swimmers took home two gold medals, with Dairne Ryan winning gold in her 50 freestyle race while the men’s 4X200 Freestyle relay team of Cian Duffy, Kevin McGlade, David and Bryan O’Sullivan took the second gold in the event.
Andrew Moore won silver in his 200 Breaststroke event, in what was the swim of the meet, with a four second PB performance and qualification for the British Youth Championships to represent Connacht in Sheffield at the end of July.
There was further success with silver medals for Kate Finn in the 50m Backstroke, Dairne Ryan in the 100m and 200m Freestyle, Cian Duffy in the 100m Back, David O’Sullivvan in the 100m and 200m Butterfly, Kate Kavanagh in the 200m Backstroke and Kevin McGlade in the 50m Breaststroke.
As well as bronze medal finishes for Angela O’Connor in the 50m Fly, Kate Finn in the 100m Backstroke, Cian Duffy in the 100m Butterfly and Andrew Moore in the 50m Breaststroke, there were 13 finalists at the meet:
Bryan O’Sullivan made the final in the 100 & 200m fly & 100m Backstroke, Kevin McGlade in the 50 & 100m Freestyle and the 50m Fly, Andrew Moore in the 100m Breaststroke, Niamh Melody in the 100 & 200m Back, Kate Kavanagh in the 100 Back, Daniel Scully in the 400 Free, Conor Snowdon in the 100m Back and Alex McFarland in the 50m Freestyle.
A good positive meet for the team, there was a lot gained from the opportunity to race long course for the third and final time before the team prepare for the Irish Nationals at the end of April.
GSC would like to extend sincere thanks to the Team Managers Helen Finn and Nina McGlade and Head Coach Pearse McGuigan for their help and support to the swimmers over a long and busy weekend.
