Lurgan make big splash to land swim crown

Swimmers aged from 8 to 18 years old competed from Portadown, Armagh, Newry and Mourne and Lurgan swimming clubs for the Armagh Championship title which had been held by the Newry and Mourne club since 2010.

Heats took place in the morning with over 210 individual swimmers involved with clubs battling through club relays and 50 metre individual events to qualify for the afternoon finals.

During the individual finals Lurgan swimmers put in a sterling performance gaining 17 wins with more than 50 personal best times being achieved across all the age groups.

In the individuals, Lurgan took the lead from the start gaining 29 points over Newry and Mourne in the backstroke and held the lead through the breast stroke, butterfly and freestyle events. At the end of the day the points stood at Armagh 215, Portadown 219, Newry and Mourne 384 and Lurgan taking the title with an amazing 485 points.

LASC Chairman Patrick McAliskey said, “It was an exciting day and a great win which could only have taken place with the dedication of the swimmers and coaches along with the support of committee members, volunteers, staff at Waves, the mayor and sponsors on the day.

“It is a great sporting achievement for Lurgan and we hope to continue this winning habit in 2014 after also winning the Arthur McDonald gala in January and numerous other galas.”

“It was a wonderful sporting occasion at Waves Leisure Complex on Saturday and there was a real buzz about the place,” said Mayor Mark Baxter.

“Congratulations to Lurgan on winning the title . It will be fantastic to have the new pool available for future Armagh Championship swimming galas to be hosted.”