McNicholas and Reid take Sea League Swims

THE Annual Corrib Sea League Swims came to a close recently with an exciting finish in both competitions. This year saw the emergence of an exciting new young talent in the mens’ event and an increase level of participation in both mens’ and womens’ competitions.The last night of the swims featured the classic Grand National start in which all swimmers start together. The scene at the base of Blackrock Tower was likened to a shoal of dolphins all competing for a good position to get away at the Go Gun. Once that race got away it was ding dong all the way with Conor Smyth and Dara Waters neck and neck from start to finish.The mens’ race on the night was won by Waters, with Ivan O’Shea in second and Brian McGlynn in third. This did little to effect the overall wards and the Mens Champion was declared as Pat McNicholas who won on a score of 40 points, with Conor Smyth in second on a score of 42.5 pts and Hugh Varley in third on 51.75 pts.The season fastest time award went to young Conor Smyth, at 13 years of age. He had a consistent season swimming well each week and in addition completing the gruelling cross Galway Bay Cancer Care West charity swim in July.The womens’ race on the night was won by Reilly Dibner, with Bernie Preston in second and Grainne Reid in third. This result brought the overall womens’ event to the closest finish in years with the smallest of margins separating the top two swimmers. The overall award went to Grainne Reid with 22.5 pts, with Bernie Preston in second on 22.75 pts and Lily O’Brien in third on 28.5 points. The fastest time award went to Kate Varley who also swam consistently well each week.The Heskin Cups were presented to the winners in a post race reception in the Salthill Hotel. The team event for the Cecily Heskin Memorial Shield was also presented to the overall wining team, Team Rigney.