Hard to believe it is that time of year again. The first of the open water swims takes place in Cork this weekend. The annual Union Hall to Glandore swim organised by Sandycove Island SC takes place on Saturday 25th. Yes you can wear wet-suits for this event, which is approx. 1100m in length. entries are on-line with Liz Buckley.

The full calendar for swims will be posted this weekend.

Aer Lingus and NAC Masters have announced the programme for the 2nd Celtic Masters SC gala. It will take place on Saturday 19th Oct - plenty of time to get fit - in the NAC. 

The programme has 50m, 100m and 200m in all strokes and 4x25m, 4x50m and 4x100m IM in a very busy gala.

The quality promises to be even better than previous galas and will no doubt attract all of the top Masters swimmers.

The entry form is attached. This is one not to be missed.

After stepping into the breach Gerry Foley and his Aer Lingus crew (!) ran a fantastic gala Sunday last 12th May.

Claire O'Dwyer was honoured for her 50+ year involvement in our sport. She is probably the most decorated athlete in swimming, has won Masters world titles and is the only Irish swimmer ever to have set a FINA world record. Claire has been a stalwart of Irish Masters swimming from its inception.

Following on the commitment given by SI at the Irish Long Course gala in Limerick early in March there is some exciting news for Masters swimming.

Paulo Di Paulo has been appointed as coach and co-ordinator for the Developmnet Squad. The squad size is to be increased to cater for 20 qualifying swimmers.