Munster Short Course Open Championships ends season on a high for Cork swimmers

The Munster Short Course Open Championships, the final regional short course competition of the season, served as a thrilling conclusion for swimmers in the region. 

This event marked a critical stepping stone for athletes preparing for the Irish Winter Championships in Dublin. 

With its competitive atmosphere and electric performances, the championships also set the stage for the transition to the long course season in the New Year.

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the Skins events, which captivated audiences on both Friday and Saturday finals. 

The format of the Skins races, known for their high stakes and rapid eliminations, added an extra layer of excitement to the competition. 

Friday night's Skins featured many of Ireland’s Junior International athletes, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination. 

In a field brimming with rising stars, Jack Cassin and Danielle Farrell delivered standout performances, emerging as the overall winners in their respective Skins events.

Their strategic approach and resilience in the fast-paced eliminations were a testament to their training and skill.

Saturday night shifted the focus to Munster's regional athletes, whose spirited performances underscored the depth of swimming talent in the province. 

Among the competitors, Daisy O’Toole and Noah Switzer shone brightest, claiming victory in their respective Skins events.

Isabel Kidney and Izzy McGrath showcased their exceptional talent and dedication, reaffirming their status as the tly awarded SWSC Centenary ‘Female Athletes of the Year’. 

Both athletes have consistently excelled, inspiring teammates to greater performances.

Kidney topped the podium at both 100m & 50m breaststroke and claimed a 3rd Munster title at 100m freestyle. 

She placed 2nd at 200m & 100m IM. McGrath won the sprint 50m backstroke and butterfly and placed 2nd in the 100m version of both events. Kidney was ed by clubmate Eva Harrington, who placed 2nd at 100m breaststroke. 

Harrington claimed double bronze at 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke.

Neddie Irwin now training at the NCL with John Szaranek claimed three Munster titles. 

The backstroke specialist won 200m & 100m backstroke and also topped the podium at 200m butterfly. 

Another backstroke specialist with Dolphin, Heather Fane was also crowned Munster Champion at 200m & 100m backstroke. 

She placed 3rd in 50m butterfly and also placed 2nd in the ‘B’ final at 100m freestyle.

Phelilm Hanley, Blackrock led an all-Cork podium at 400m IM 4:33.68 a phenomenal achievement at just 15 years. 

Sean Bugler SWSC placed 2nd 4:48.29 and Hanley’s brother Pierce, now swimming with SWSC placed 3rd 4:55.17. 

Hanley doubled up with victory at 200m IM 2:08.57. On that occasion he was ed by Dolphin duo Ricky Fane 2:10.56 and Noah Switzer 2:15.25. Hanley placed 2nd at 100m butterfly.

Paul Laffan, Cork Masters made a welcome return to the regional championships. He was the silver medallist at 50m butterfly.

Multi Class finals are also a feature of the Championships and Luke Brennan, Blackrock with an S8 classification, won 100m & 50m freestyle and 100m & 50m backstroke.

Some of the younger athletes performed well in the open championship competing on a level playing field with athletes many years their senior. Tadgh O’Brien, Dolphin placed 2nd at 1,500m freestyle and at 200m backstroke. 

He claimed bronze at 400m freestyle. He also won the ‘B’ final at 200m freestyle. Shauna Murphy placed 2nd at 400m IM and claimed two third place finishes at 200m backstroke and 100m breaststroke. 

She also won the ‘B’ final of 100m freestyle.

There was a strong showing from the junior athletes in the ‘B’ finals. 

Dolphin athletes included: Aidan McGrath 1st at 200m IM, Elin Manson and James McIlroy both won their 100m backstroke finals, Ryan Higgins 1st at 50m breaststroke. Orna Higgins 2nd at 200m IM, Roisin Brannigan 2nd at 100m butterfly, Adam Mikolaj 2nd at 200m backstroke and Vincent Leahy 2nd at 50m breaststroke. 

SWSC athletes included: Killian McCarthy 1st at 200m breaststroke, Amy Lynch 1st at 50m butterfly, Poppy Nolan 3rd at 200m backstroke, Jenna McArdle 3rd at 50m backstroke and Beatriz Carvalho 3rd at 50m butterfly. Mallow athletes: Daisy O’Toole 1st at 100m IM and Victoria Roche 2nd at 50m freestyle.

The SWSC ladies won both the 200m Freestyle & Medley relays. 

There was a close battle in the Mixed relay with the team from Dolphin the victors just ahead of SWSC at the freestyle. 

The teams placed 2nd & 3rd in the Medley relay with the team from Limerick the victors in a new Munster Record.