Sunday's Well Swimming Club celebrate 100 years in style 

Sunday's Well Swimming Club (SWSC) is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year: its 100th anniversary. 

Founded in 1924, SWSC has grown from modest beginnings into one of Ireland’s most respected and storied swimming clubs. 

Known for fostering a spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and community, the club has played a pivotal role in promoting swimming in Cork and beyond. 

This centenary year is not only a time for reflection and celebration but also a testament to the club’s enduring commitment to swimming excellence.

As a highlight of this milestone year, SWSC was honoured as the Swim Ireland Club of the Year for 2024 at the recent Swim Ireland Awards Gala Dinner. 

This prestigious award recognizes the dedication and achievements of SWSC , coaches, and volunteers, affirming the club's place among Ireland's elite swimming institutions. 

The award acknowledges SWSC’s contribution to both competitive swimming and community outreach, highlighting the club’s success in balancing high-performance training with the development of swimmers at all levels.

To mark this historic year, SWSC hosted a special centenary, Gala Dinner. 

This event brought together past and present who helped shape the club’s legacy. Invitations were extended to alumni, allowing former swimmers, coaches, and volunteers to reconnect and celebrate the impact the club has had on their lives. 

The celebration was not just about reminiscing on past achievements; but also, a moment to look forward, to envision the future of a club that has inspired generations.

The achievements of SWSC swimmers at all levels are numerous, but in recent years, the club has seen some particularly impressive successes, notably from Jane Jolly and Paul Laffan who now swim with Cork Masters. Jane is World and European Masters Champion in the 3k open water event, and also European Champion in the 1.5k. 

Paul is the World Masters Champion in 100m freestyle and 50m butterfly and won World silver in the 50m freestyle.

The Club has a long history of success on the International stage, including Olympian Brian Clifford. 

Lee Kelleher was Irish butterfly champion for 7 years in the ‘90’s and competed at European Juniors. 

Izzy Hayes and Ally Cunningham competed at European Junior Championships. Both girls partnered Mona McSharry and Ellen Walshe on the Irish Celtic Senior Schools relay to win gold.

SWSC’s success in fostering such talent is no accident, it is the result of a well-established culture of excellence. 

The club’s coaching staff, led by Head Coach Richard Cassidy are committed to providing top-tier training and fostering an environment where athletes can excel. 

This commitment is reflected not only in the performance of SWSC athletes but also in the club’s ongoing efforts to engage younger swimmers and promote swimming as a lifelong sport.

Olympian Robert Heffernan was the MC. He welcomed all present and introduced the various speakers and presenters throughout the evening. The welcome address was delivered by the Chairman, Derek Kidney and this was followed by the first set of presentations: the individual swimmer awards. 

The awards were presented by of the National Centre Limerick, Jon Szaranek and Carlo Boni, and Regional Pathway Development Coach, Erin McNulty. 

The recipients of the Awards were: Best Youth Swimmers: Virag Szatmari and Killian McCarthy. Best Junior Swimmers: Caoilinn O’Connor and Thomas Bugler. Best Senior Swimmers: tly to Isabel Kidney & Izzy McGrath and Sean Bugler.

Munster Treasurer, Pat McTigue made presentations to the of the Munster Squad. 

Club Chairman, Derek Kidney to the of the National Squad. Club President, Kevin Twohig presented Special Awards to Sharon Semchiy, Antonia Sech and Andrew Feenan.

Andrew then moved from recipient to presenter and presented awards to the swimmers named as Swimmer of the Meet at three Munster competitions. Then former Club President, Tom Cross made a presentation to the National Relay Champions.

Following dinner, Rob Heffernan, MC introduced the Club President, Kevin Twohig who delivered his Presidential Address. 

He emphasized the vital role volunteers have played in the enduring success of SWSC over the century. 

These dedicated individuals have been the backbone of the club, selflessly devoting their time and expertise to ensure its smooth operation and the cultivation of a ive community.

This led nicely into the final set of presentations. 

EXCEPTIONAL

The outgoing committee received Recognition Awards. Iryna Semchiy received the Exceptional Services Award. 

Jane Jolly received the Recognition of Achievements in 2024 Award. Richard Cassidy and Tom Cross received the Outstanding Contribution Award and Patricia Feenan, Mary Haughney and Richard Cassidy received Life hip of the Club.

With the formalities of the evening concluded and guests readied themselves to party into the early hours, the President closed out proceedings. 

"As we conclude this unforgettable evening, let us celebrate not only our rich history but also the boundless potential of Sunday's Well Swimming Club. 

"Together, we honour a century of excellence while committing to an even brighter future. By nurturing young talent, we will ensure SWSC continues to thrive. 

With the same ion that has brought us here, we can inspire future generations to achieve greatness. 

"Here’s to the next 100 years of Sunday's Well Swimming Club: stronger, faster, and ever united."