Laois Marlins Newsletter December 2019
Term one was a very busy one for the Laois Marlins. We had record numbers of swimmers attending galas and a huge number of PBs recorded, not to mention some great podium finishes. The club is exceptionally proud of all our swimmers. Christmas is just around the corner so on behalf of all the coaches and committee I’d like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and prosperous new year.
Rose Bergin, Chair Laois Marlins
CHRISTMAS SWIMMING TIMES
| Sat Dec 14th – Juniors 8-9 Seniors 9-10.30 Stars 10.30-11.30
| Fri Dec 20th - NO SWIM FOR ANY SQUAD
| Sat Dec 21st - Dip & Dive – All Squads 8am warm up.
| Mon 23rd - 8-10am – Senior/ Senior Development
| Fri 27th - 8-10am - Senior/ Senior Development
| Sat 28th - 8-10am - Senior/ Senior Development
| Mon 30th - 8-10am Senior/ Senior Development
| Tues 31st - 8-10am - Senior/ Senior Development
| Thurs 2nd - 8-10am - Senior/ Senior Development
| Fri 3rd- 8-10am - Senior/ Senior Development
Sat 4th - Juniors 8-9 Seniors 9-10.30 Stars 10.30-11.30
***Junior Squads and Star Squads on holiday from 21st Dec until 4th Jan ***
DIP & DIVE 21st DEC
The next Dip and Dive has been moved to the 21st of December. This is an informal internal club gala that gives younger swimmers especially the opportunity to swim under race conditions. The aim is to build confidence and experience within the swimmers. Times will also be used by the coaching team in determining lane structures so all swimmers from all squads are expected to attend. We will be looking for some parents to help with time keeping and organising the swimmers on the morning. It’s a good way to put the timekeeper training to good use!
SENIOR SQUAD CAKE SALE
Next June 18 of our senior squad swimmers will attend a 6-day training camp in Barcelona. This is a great opportunity for the swimmers to swim 4hrs per day in a long course pool and to hone their skills just Summer Nationals in July. To help raise funds for the trip the swimmers are organising a cake sale on Sat 21st. There should be lots of delicious home baking, tea, coffee and hot chocolate available and your support would be greatly appreciated. If anyone would like to donate any baking please bring it along on the 21st or contact Eavonne Donoghue on 086 4041684.
CLUBMARK
After a very long year and a half of hard work and preparation, we were delighted to achieve the Swim Ireland Clubmark Standard. The aim of Clubmark is to support, recognise and reward Swim Ireland-affiliated clubs by providing them with a roadmap to develop their services and ultimately achieve the highest of club standards. The accreditation programme focuses on attaining and keeping pace with best practice and introducing best-in-field ideas.
Only 14 clubs in Leinster have achieved this standard and we are the only the club in the Midlands that currently hold this. It is a testament to the great committee we have teamed with a very committed coaching team that we were able to reach this standard. I would especially like to thank Anna Hayes and Judith O’Connor for the large part they played with Clubmark.
This award is something for every swimmer and parent in the club to be proud of. It sets Laois Marlins as a best in field club. You can be guaranteed that the governance in the club is fully accredited by Swim Ireland and plans are made into the future to not only maintain the standards but to excel.
NEXT GALA ENTRIES
Ross has issued the details on the next 2 galas. Both are Leinster galas and therefore important for swimmers. Some entry dates fall over the Christmas break so don’t forget to get the entries in.
Leinster Qualifying Gala Jan 17-19th. Entry deadline 31st Dec. Please note qualification times “faster than” apply. This is a long course gala. This is the first opportunity for swimmers to qualify for Irish Nationals Div 1 or 2 for July 19.
Leinster Development Gala Jan 26th. Entry deadline 8th Jan. Please not qualification times “slower than” apply. This is a short course gala.
Please note that due to an increase from Leinster Swimming all Leinster swims will now cost €10 each.
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