Swim Ireland celebrated a remarkable year for Irish aquatics at its annual Awards on Saturday evening, with Róisín Ní Riain, Ellen Walshe, and Daniel Wiffen named as Athletes of the Year. The ceremony took place at the Crowne Plaza in Blanchardstown and brought together athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers from across the country.
Ellen Walshe (pictured above) was crowned Female Performance Athlete of the Year after an outstanding season that saw her set 15 new Irish records and reach five finals at the World Aquatics Championships (25m) as well as two finals at the long-course edition (50m).
Paralympian Róisín Ní Riain took home the Para Swimmer of the Year Award, recognising her medal haul from the World Para Swimming Championships, where she won five medals — three silver and two bronze — in a standout performance.
Despite facing setbacks due to appendicitis and surgery earlier in the year, Daniel Wiffen was named Male Performance Athlete of the Year. Wiffen finished eighth in the 800m Freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships, the highest placing by any Irish male swimmer at the event.
Bangor Swimming Club in County Down was named Club of the Year, emerging from a strong shortlist that also featured Mallow Swans (Cork) and New Ross (Wexford).
In Water Polo, Players of the Year awards went to Fionn Byrne (St Vincent’s) and Laur Casserly (Tribes Water Polo Club), both junior athletes who made major contributions to their senior club sides while also representing Ireland at the U18 European Championships.
Rising talent was also recognised, with Female Performance Pathway Athlete of the Year going to European Junior bronze medallist Grace Davison, and Para Pathway Athlete of the Year awarded to Dearbhaile Brady, who won silver and bronze at the World Para Swimming Championships. National Centre Limerick’s John Shortt claimed the Male Performance Pathway Athlete of the Year after becoming Ireland’s first ever male World Junior Champion, winning gold and silver at the European Juniors and a full set of medals — gold, silver, and bronze — at the World Juniors.
Coaching excellence was also celebrated, with John Szaranek (National Centre Limerick) named Performance Pathway Coach of the Year for his work with medallists Shortt and Ellie McCartney, and Brian Sweeney (Templeogue Swim Team) taking Performance Coach of the Year for his work with Ellen Walshe.
Discipline Awards went to Barry Murphy and John Cunningham (Masters), Brianna Jackson (Open Water), and Matthew Hammond (Disability). Mary Haughney of Sundays Well SC was honoured as Official of the Year, while New Ross’ Fran Ronan received the Club Coach of the Year award.
Volunteers from across the provinces were also recognised for their invaluable contributions: Alan Ryan (Leinster), Eamonn Horgan (Munster), Teresa Moran (Connacht), and Gillian Simpson (Ulster).
Three individuals received Outstanding Contribution to Aquatics awards — Declan Harte (Masters and Open Water), Fiona Burke (Swimming), and Gary Stoops (Swimming/Officiating).
The evening concluded with Swim Ireland President Frank Breslin presenting his President’s Award to Connacht’s Christine Watterson, honouring her long-standing service to the sport in the region.
“It was fantastic to see so many of our community present to celebrate another amazing year for Irish aquatics,” said Sarah Keane, Outgoing CEO of Swim Ireland.
“We are delighted to come together to celebrate the success of our athletes and to honour those that have helped them to get to where they are.”
Image Credit: Swim Ireland and Sportsfile
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