Tipperary Tigersharks make waves at Lahinch Gala with stunning medals haul
Outstanding achievements by 16 swimmers
Above: Tipperary Tigersharks Swim Club members showcasing their medal success at the recent Lahinch Swim Gala. From left, David Kavanagh (Cashel), Andrew Ryan (Cashel), Caoimhe Kavanagh (Cashel), Isabelle Ronayne (Aherlow), Alice Erbs (Aherlow), Nadine Lane (Ballylanders), Orlagh Lane (Ballylanders) and Catherine Ryan (Oola)
The Tipperary Tigersharks Swim Club returned from the Lahinch Invitational Gala with an incredible haul of 38 medals, celebrating the outstanding achievements of their swimmers.
An impressive 16 swimmers proudly represented the club, competing across a range of events and distances. The club secured an overall tally of 18 gold, nine silver and 11 bronze medals, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about the growing strength and talent within the club.
There were also a number of PB (personal best) times achieved across all levels.
Head Coach Michael Foley expressed immense pride in the team’s performance and said, “This was an exceptional weekend for the Tigersharks.
“Many of our medal winners are junior squad members who only joined the club this year, which makes their success all the more incredible. Their determination and passion are evident for everyone to see”.
Among the standout performances were multiple medal-winning families, including Nadine and Orlagh Lane (Ballylanders), Alice and Emily Erbs (Aherlow), and David and Caoimhe Kavanagh (Cashel), showcasing the club’s depth and talent across all age groups.
Nine-year-old Catherine Ryan (Oola), a member of the junior squad, scored top honours across all her races and brought home an incredible four gold medals from the gala.
Leading the charge for the senior squad were swimmers James Gleeson (Tipperary Town), who brought home a haul of four gold medals; and Caoimhe Bradshaw Quillinan (Tipperary Town), who topped the individual leaderboard with three gold and two silver medals, the largest individual medal haul of the day.
The junior female relay team (age 9-11 years) of Grace Ryan (Oola), Hannah O’Connell (Oola), Isabelle Ryan (Oola) and Emily Erbs (Aherlow) bagged bronze for the club with a very impressive performance.
Individual Medal Highlights:
Caoimhe Bradshaw Quillinan (Tipperary Town): gold 50 metres Breaststroke, gold 200 metres Freestyle, silver 50 metres Freestyle, gold 100 metres Breaststroke, silver 100 metres Freestyle.
Alice Erbs (Aherlow): silver, 50 metres Butterfly.
Emily Erbs (Aherlow): gold 100 metres Individial Medley, gold 100 metres backstroke, gold 50 metres Breaststroke, silver 200 metres Freestyle.
James Gleeson (Tipperary Town): gold 100 metres Individual Medley, gold 50 metres Fly, gold 50 metres Breaststroke, gold Freestyle. Caoimhe Kavanagh (Cashel): silver 50 metres Breaststroke, gold 100 metres Breaststroke.
David Kavanagh (Cashel): gold 100 metres Individual Medley, silver 50 metres Freestyle, gold 50 metres Backstroke, bronze 100 metres Freestyle.
Nadine Lane (Ballylanders): silver 50 metres Breaststroke, gold 50 metres Freestyle, silver 100 metres Breaststroke, gold 100 metres Freestyle.
Orlagh Lane (Ballylanders): silver 50 metres Breaststroke, bronze 100 metres Breaststroke. Cathal McGrath (Tipperary Town): gold 50 metres Backstroke. Hannah O’Connell (Oola): silver 50 metres Fly.
Isabelle Ronayne (Aherlow): gold 100 metres Backstroke, bronze 50 metres Freestyle, gold 50 metres Backstroke, bronze 100 metres Freestyle. Andrew Ryan (Cashel): silver 50 metres Breaststroke.
Catherine Ryan (Oola): gold 100 metres Individual Medley, gold 50 metres Fly, gold 50 metres Breaststroke, gold 100 metres Breaststroke.
The Lahinch Gala provided an important platform for these young swimmers to demonstrate their skill development, confidence and competitive spirit.
The results are a testament not only to the athletes’ dedication but also to the supportive environment fostered by the Tigersharks coaching team and families.
Tipperary Tigersharks Swim Club continues to grow in strength and this latest success underlines the promising future of competitive swimming in the county.