Surflifesavers put their skills to the test at Stillwater Nationals
THE Sligo Water Safety Surflifesaving season came to a conclusion following a successful campaign across all age categories from nippers up to masters.
The Nippers Stillwater National competition took place at the National Acquatic Centre in Dublin and this marked the end of the stillwater season.
There were teams and individual competitors, aged 8-14 years, travelling from various clubs throughout the country, including Sligo, having qualified from their respective regions.
The national event saw the very best of competitors test their surf lifesaving skills and abilities against one another in a highly enjoyable and competitive manner.
Competitors competed in a variety of events designed to test the specific skillsets required to be a surf lifesaver including underwater obstacle courses, underwater races, rescue and relay events.
Sligo were well represented with a large number of nippers in attendance, having qualified from the Connacht/Ulster Surflifesaving Regional Stillwater competition hosted by Donegal Water Safety.
All competitors did their club and county proud and delivered strong performances with a number of top 10 and medal finishes from Ronan O’Connor securing two bronze medals and Matthew O’Grady, who secured 3 gold medals and national individual titles.
The Junior Nippers (8-11) secured an impressive 6th place overall with the Senior Nippers (12-14) securing an 8th place finish.
Prior to the nippers, the Sligo juniors, seniors and masters travelled to University of Limerick Sports Arena to compete at the Irish Water Safety National Stillwater Competition. Sligo were well represented across all categories with strong performances throughout at both individual and team events.
There were notable individual performances from Sligo senior surflifesavers, national squad members and brothers Joseph Mooney and Peter Mooney and team performances with the Sligo senior men and Sligo master men respectively securing an impressive 2nd and 3rd place finish overall.
This was the first time a masters ladies team represented Sligo and our ladies didn’t disappoint with a fourth overall ranking and medals secured by Shelly Brady.
With the end of the stillwater season, focus now shifts towards the much anticipated openwater season with the surflifesavers taking to the beach and ocean over the summer months.
Sligo Water Safety would like to thank all volunteers, coaches, parents and competitors for their dedication and hard work throughout the season!
The 2018 Openwater training sessions are now underway with 100 Nippers training every week on Rosses Point beach as well as Juniors, Seniors and Masters groups.
It’s wonderful to see the sport growing and flourishing in Sligo, good luck to all involved over the coming months.
For more information of the activities of Sligo Water Safety you can follow them on their Facebook page (Sligo Water Safety) or check out their website www. sligowatersafety.com