Swimming club in Tipperary has celebrated 20 fantastic years
Club has travelled incredible journey since its foundation in 2004
The Tipperary Tigersharks Swim Club marked a major milestone recently with a special club gala night celebrating 20 years of swimming, sportsmanship and youth development across county Tipperary.
Held at the end of the current training term, the gala brought together over 60 young swimmers to celebrate the club’s incredible journey since its foundation in 2004.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Michael Foley Trophy to the winning team of the gala races. The trophy was named in honour of Head Coach Michael Foley, who was also celebrating his own anniversary with the club.
Since 2012 Michael has been the driving force behind the Tigersharks, volunteering his time, expertise and unwavering encouragement to help hundreds of young athletes thrive in and out of the water.
“Michael has given so much to this club and to the wider Tipperary community,” said Oonagh Gleeson, Tipperary Tigersharks Club Chairperson.
“He’s more than a coach, he’s a mentor, a leader, and the heart of what we do”.
To add to the celebration, a long-time supporter of local sport (who wishes to remain anonymous), kindly sponsored pizza for all attendees, ensuring a fun and festive finish to the evening.
As Chairperson Oonagh Gleeson commented, “The club is always looking to improve the training facilities and supports for our young athletes and recently received National Lottery funding for the purchase of new diving blocks.
“Through the Tipperary Sports Partnership, funding was granted to support coaching development as the club looks ahead to the 2025/2026 season.
“With over 60 active swimmers aged from 9 years and up, divided into three squads (A, B, and C) and a 70% female membership, Tigersharks continues to grow in both numbers and achievements”.
Since its foundation, the club has focused on teaching essential swimming skills while fostering personal growth, confidence and a strong sense of community among its members.
Over the years, Tigersharks swimmers have proudly represented their schools, club and communities at regional events, always bringing passion, dedication and team spirit to the pool.
Highlights from the 2024/2025 season included three junior members, Emily Erbs (Aherlow), Catherine Ryan (Oola) and Orlaith Moloney (Emly) qualifying for the National Schools Competition (hosted in the National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown).
Senior squad member Sean O’Gorman (Tipperary Town) secured bronze in the Munster Long Course Championship ( a first for the club in this discipline), and many of the junior squad members represented Oola at the Community Games.
As the season wrapped up, squad members continued to set personal bests and shine at competitive level.
Caoimhe Bradshaw of Tipp Town (Senior Squad) secured a bronze medal in the 100 metres breaststroke at the recent Munster Swim Festival hosted at the University of Limerick.
Emily Erbs from Aherlow took gold in the 50 metres breaststroke and placed third in the Individual Medley Super Final, showcasing the club’s strong development of young talent.
As the club takes a well-earned summer break, planning is already underway for a dynamic return in September.
The year ahead promises new training opportunities, more gala events and continued success for this vibrant club built on volunteerism, inclusion and excellence.
The Tipperary Tigersharks thank all volunteers, parents, swimmers past and present, and the wider community for their support over the past two decades.
Here’s to the next 20 years!