NAC Masters Men’s team make splash with ninth title in a row

THE NAC Masters Men’s team is celebrating its ninth consecutive Leinster Open Sea title. 

Every summer the Leinster Open Sea Committee, part of Swim Ireland, organises a season of 'open sea' swimming races in a variety of locations along the Leinster coast. 

The races cater for all ages and abilities, from teenagers to senior citizens and from novice swimmers to former internationals. 

The races take place at a variety of outdoor swimming locations along the east coast, including some of Dublin’s best known bathing spots like the Bull Wall, Seapoint, Killiney Beach and Portmarnock. 

The races are on average 1,500m in length. This year over 33 races took place. The Liffey Swim and Dun Laoghaire Harbour Race are the two ‘majors’ and most highly prized events in this calendar.

The NAC Men’s team claimed their ninth consecutive success having won their first title in 2009.  NAC Masters is one of Ireland’s largest and most successful Masters’ swimming clubs. Founded in 1988, the club has grown steadily in both membership numbers and reputation. 

‘Masters’ is the term given to competitive swimming for anyone over 25.

Jackie O’Connor, chairperson of NAC Masters, said the competition was very tough this year, with 21 men’s swimming teams from across Leinster competing for the prestigious title. 

“So, this is a super achievement for our men’s team and we’re very proud of them,” said Jackie.  

“I’d especially like to thank our coach Declan Harte who has put in a huge effort over the last number of years coaching and motivating both the men’s and ladies’ teams.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in training and competing to come down to one of our sessions in the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) or Westwood, Clontarf. Our training times are available on www.nacmasters.com.”

Meanwhile, in the pool, NAC Masters Swimming Club continues to enjoy great success. 

“We currently have 11 Irish record holders: Dan Golden, Joanne Figala, Jack Meade, Julie Galloway, Helena McGrath, Liz McCarthy, Sandra O’Leary, Tom Healy, Richard Harding and Helen O’Leary, and we also have 28 Irish relay records across the age groups,” added Jackie. 

“We’re all really looking forward to more fun and success.” 

For more information on the club, visit www.nacmasters.com