Christmas Newsletter
Hello everyone
We are nearing the end of a very different term one. On behalf of the committee and coaching team I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our swimmers and their parents for their ongoing commitment and support in these unpresented times. It has been a challenge operating out of 2 pools and under Covid restrictions but we are so proud of how our swimmers have adopted and are all training hard.
While we can’t meet in person the committee is still working away and is available. You will find all our contact details here https://uk.teamunify.com/team/laois/page/about/committee.
I would also like to thank Portarlington LC and The Midlands Park who have been excellent. It looks like we will continue with this arrangement for the foreseeable future as we await an update on the reopening of Portlaoise LC.
Sending everyone our best wishes for a peaceful and safe Christmas and here’s to better things in 2021.
Rose Bergin
Chair
Christmas Training
We have decided to run training over Christmas with the exception of the 25th,26th & 1st. The Star Squad will not swim over Christmas and will return on Fri 8th. We are also hoping to run some extra swims on the 23rd, 28th and 29th. The timetable is attached. The updated Parent On Duty/ Covid Officer rota will be issued shortly. If your swimmer will not be attending some/any sessions over Christmas can you let us know so we can ensure we have enough cover. Please email [email protected] or message Rose on 085 7117167.
We cannot run sessions without a Parent on Duty. If you are unable to cover your assigned session, please arrange to ensure the session is covered, it is not the responsibility of the Covid officers to arrange cover.
Swim Ireland Club Resilience Grant
We are delighted to tell you that we just received a grant of €13,000 from Swim Ireland. This was an extensive process and I’d like to thank Judith O’Connor for all her hard work. This funding is a great endorsement from Swim Ireland on the viability of the club and will help secure our future. The running of so many extra hours and limited numbers has put a financial strain on funds. The grant will help ease this.
New Laois Marlins Club Gear
As our old club gear supplier had discontinued our range we had to source a new one. Thank you to Deirdre Bergin for all her time researching and sourcing. The new online shop is now live and ready to take any orders. We think it looks great. You can shop here: https://www.teamwear.ie/your-shop/laois-marlins.html
Covid Reminder
Currently there are a number of Covid cases in Laois so we would like everyone to be extra careful at the moment. Please ensure you fill out a self-assessment for every session. Please ensure swimmers wear masks and sanitise when arriving and departing the pool. If you are parent on duty please ensure you also complete a self-assessment form (choose the parent on duty option) and also wear a mask. If your swimmer is unwell please do not attend training. Thanks to all for your co-operation.
Laois Marlins Committee 21/22
Succession planning was discussed at our last committee meeting as 4 roles will come available in June 21. Those roles are:
Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Secretary.
Most have completed their 4 years and cannot stand again. As the 3 executive roles all need to be filled it was suggested to bring this to the membership as early as possible. The committee also felt that it could be beneficial for anyone interested to shadow the current role holder over the next couple of months to ensure a smooth transition. If anyone is interested in taking up a role from June or would like to know more about what’s involved please contact Anna at secretary@laoismarlins.ie or any member of the committee.
We also need to fill the role of a female Child Protection Officer. This has been outstanding for 9 months and needs to be filled urgently. Again if anyone is interested in finding out more please contact secretary@laoismarlins.ie.
