Congratulations to all the winners at the Swim Ulster Awards on Saturday night for their exceptional achievements in various categories. The dedication and talent displayed by these individuals and clubs is of the highest level. The incredible achievements of the senior swimmers as well as the development of coaching staff, junior swimmers and clubs has been remarkable. Special mention the volunteers and officials for helping to make every event possible. The progress and success witnessed in the swimming community reflects a strong commitment to excellence, highlighting the importance of hard work, discipline, and competition. We are excited to follow and facilitate this progression over the next 12 months.
Ulster Club of the Year
Winner: Banbridge Swimming Club
Club Volunteer of the Year – The David Campbell Cup
Winner: Carmel Gorman, City of Derry
Ulster Development Coach / Teacher of the Year
Winner: Dillon Reid, Riversdale Otters
Club Coach of the Year
Winner: Davy Wilson, Banbridge ASC
Elizabeth Long Trophy for outstanding best performance by an 11-year-old at Ulster Long Course Championships 2023
Winners: Mila Pickett, Ards and Fraser Prue, Bangor
Joe Fitzpatrick Trophy for outstanding best performance by a 14-year-old at Ulster Long Course Championships 2023
Winners: Georgina Walker, Banbridge and Jan Boersma, Leander
Lindsay McPherson Trophy for outstanding Swim Ulster official 2022/2023
Winner: Mark Wilson, Banbridge
EYOF – Slovenia 2023
Winners: Gene Smyth and Brydan Byrne, both from Bangor Swimming Club
European Junior Championships – Belgrade 2023
Winners: Adam Colgan, Cora Rooney, Alana Burns Atkin, Grace Davison, Ellie McCartney, and Dylan Registe
World Championships – Fukuoka Japan 2023
Winners: Victoria Catterson, Danielle Hill, Conor Ferguson, Mona McSharry, Daniel Wiffen
LEN U23 Swimming Championships – Dublin 2023
Winners: Victoria Catterson, Mona McSharry, Daniel Wiffen
World Para Championships – Manchester 2023
Winners: Dearbhaile Brady, Bethy Firth, Barry McClements
Commonwealth Youth Games – Trinbago 2023
Winners: Alana Burns Atkin, Brandon Biss, Grace Davison, Matthew Hand, Ellie McCartney, Dylan Registe
Jack & Betty Beattie Disability Swimmer of the Year
Winner: Bethy Firth
Swimmer of the Year
Winner: Daniel Wiffen. A special mention to Daniel on setting a European Record in the final of the World Championships 800m Freestyle in a time of 7.39.19
These awards reflect the hard work, dedication, and passion of all the winners, contributing significantly to the sport of swimming in Ulster. Their achievements are a testament to their commitment and serve as an inspiration to aspiring swimmers.
Congratulations to the respective winners of each of the War Memorial relay events:
Event 1 (Women 200 LC Meter Medley Relay): Ards Swimming Club
Event 2 (Men 200 LC Meter Medley Relay): Lisburn City Swimming Club.
Event 3 (Girls 14 & Under 200 LC Meter Medley Relay): Banbridge Swimming Club.
Event 4 (Mixed 200 LC Meter Medley Relay): Ards Swimming Club
Event 5 (Boys 14 & Under 200 LC Meter Medley Relay): Banbridge Swimming Club
Event 6 (Girls 12 & Under 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay): Bangor Swimming Club
Event 7 (Mixed 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay): Larne Swimming Club
Event 8 (Boys 12 & Under 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay): Bangor Swimming Club.
Event 9: (Women 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay): Ards Swimming Club
Event 10 (Men 300 LC Meter Freestyle Relay): Lisburn City Swimming Club
Congratulations to all and thank you for a great evening at the War Memorial Gala.