Wicklow Swimming club held its “Open Masters Vartry” race on Saturday 11^th august. Forty nine swimmers entered this event, which starts at the Sailing club slip and finishes at the “Parnell Bridge”. Billy Forde won the men’s race, with John Logan in second and Denis O’Brien third. Magaret McGrath won the ladies event, with Karen O’Brien second and Sharron Vize third.

The “Tom Spillane” cup was held on Wednesday 14^th August and is kindly sponsored by Anne Hudson and her family.  Weather and tidal conditions were very good for this 1400 metre swim down the bay, but there were hundreds of Jellyfish present, stinging many of the swimmers. Brendan Conway swam the race in a great time, despite being stung four times, to take first place, 2^nd Pat Brennan, 3^rd Gary Morton. “No Jellyfish were harmed during this event”

Sunday morning 18^th August was packed with events starting at 10.15am with the junior sprints. Followed by the longest Junior challenge of the year. Kate Hills, National Children’s Officer, for Swim Ireland visited the club this morning to facilitate workshops for the young members of the club. Kate was also on hand to present the prizes of the Junior challenge to; 1^st Niki Moulders 2^nd Nathan O’Connor, 3^rd Charlie Brennan, 2th Ava Frazer, 5^th Robin Johnston, 6^th Robyn Brennan. The Intermediates swam for the “Earls” cup, which is kindly sponsored by Eileen Earls and her family. Eileen and her daughter Tracey were on the pier to present the prizes to 1^st Alexander Spencer, 2^nd Emma Kristiansen, 3^rd Aoife Marie Sheeky.

The Youths had a 1000 metre swim in choppy conditions and were accompanied for part of the swim by a friendly seal. Aine Cahill thanked the seal in her speech, for helping her keep up the pace to take first place, 2^nd Oisin Nolan, 3^rd Eleanor Dunne. Ninety one seniors raced for the “Brennan” cup. The first half of the race was in very choppy conditions against the tide and seen five swimmers retire from the race. Despite this Karen O’Brien swam a great race to take first place, just ahead of John Mc Call in second and Damien Leonard in third, 4^th John Alvey, 5^th Colm Corrigan, 6^th Hilary O’Dwyer.

Racing for Sunday 25^th August starts at 10.15am Junior sprints, 10.30am junior challenge, 11 am Intermediates; Clarke Delahunt cup, 10.30am Youths and 12 noon the “John Flood” bay relay, which is kindly sponsored by John Flood.

Bip18/08/13