Sharks SC celebrate as Connery makes qualifying time
City swimmer claims senior bronze and two junior gold at national meet
Shark Swimming Club is Galway City was celebrating this past week as senior swimmer Niamh Connery secured her place on the European stage once again after achieving the qualification standard at last week’s Irish Open Championships in Bangor.
The talented breaststroker delivered an outstanding performance, claiming two junior gold medals and a senior bronze medal. Her podium finish came in a highly competitive field, finishing behind Olympic medallist Mona McSharry and European medallist Ellie McCartney.
This year’s European competition will take place in Munich, marking an incredible milestone as 2026 becomes her fourth consecutive year qualifying to represent Ireland at major summer championships. Her international journey began in 2023 when she competed at the European Youth Olympic Festival.
The trials, held in Bangor, saw a strong national showing with two boys and four girls achieving qualification standards. Among the female qualifiers, two are currently training in the USA, one represents Dublin, and Niamh proudly represents Galway on the international stage.
A student at Salerno Secondary School, Niamh now faces a demanding few months ahead as she balances preparations for summer competition under Shark Swimming Club head coach, Ross Coll, alongside her Leaving Certificate exams and an important decision regarding whether to remain in Ireland or pursue preseason training opportunities in the United States next year.
The Irish Open proved to be a hugely successful meet overall for Shark Swimming Club. Six swimmers qualified to compete among a field of 350 of the fastest national and international athletes: Niamh Connery, Katie Kelly, Eoin Connery, Neysa Connolly, Killian Banks and Ewan Dickson.
Across the competition, Shark swimmers delivered exceptional performances, competing in 21 heats and progressing to an impressive 19 finals.