Sunday's Well Masters make a splash at Gus Healy Pool

The annual Sunday's Well Masters Gala, held at the Gus Healy Pool in Douglas, Cork, saw an impressive turnout, with strong participation from both the host club and the Cork Masters club. 

The event featured competitive racing across multiple disciplines, with swimmers delivering standout performances in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Cork Masters, led by World Masters gold medallist Paul Laffan, showcased their class throughout the competition, and dominated the relay events. Many of the Cork Masters team had competed at the World Masters Championships in Doha in February 2024 and are currently in training for the World Masters Championships to be held in Singapore in August of this year. 

They together with Claire O’Connell of Kingdom Masters, another to medal at the World Championships in Doha, brought their international experience to the local stage.

Laffan, a sprint specialist, was in excellent form, winning all four of his individual events. 

His highlight came in his favourite event, 50m butterfly, where he topped an all-Cork Masters podium, finishing ahead of Robert Cussen and Gavin O’Brien. 

Cussen also delivered a strong performance in the 50m backstroke, securing second place behind Laffan in a closely contested race. O’Brien claimed the 400m freestyle gold.

The gala also saw several Irish and Munster records being broken. Seasoned campaigner Kieran Kelleher of Sandycove Island Masters reset his own Irish Masters Record in both the 100m IM and 100m breaststroke. 

Kelleher also won gold in his age group at 400m freestyle and 50m butterfly. 

Anne Marie Nolan of the host club set a new Munster Masters Record in the 100m IM, while Rob Lamb, also of SWSC Masters, established two new Munster Masters Records in the 200m freestyle and 50m breaststroke.

Jim McNicholas delighted the home support with four victories from his four individual events. 

He found himself in a tight battle at 50m freestyle but held off the chasing James Mintern, Cork Masters. 

McNicholas touched first with 27.87 with Mintern on his shoulder with 28.03. McNicholas’ other victories came at 200m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke. Another to impress for the hosts was Niamh Hourihan. 

She took on a challenging schedule of six individual events. She topped the podium at 200m freestyle, 100m IM and 50m breaststroke and secured second place finishes at 400m, 100m & 50m freestyle.

Andrew Powell, Sandycove Masters who completed a Baltimore to Fastnet Open Water swim in August 2024, claimed gold at 400m & 200m freestyle. 

In a family affair, his wife Margot, a backstroke specialist, who swims with SWSC Masters was the double gold medallist at 100m & 50m backstroke.

Cork Tri Club were represented by four of their members. Aidan Quinn won 400m freestyle but had to settle for silver at the shorter 50m distance. Sinead Barnett was the victor at 50m freestyle. 

Martin Barnett won double silver at 200m freestyle and 50m butterfly and Patrice Holmes claimed bronze at 50m freestyle.

Crosshaven Tri Club were also represented by four athletes. Danny Finn won gold at 100m IM & 100m backstroke. 

Sham Riordan won gold at 100m IM and bronze at 50m butterfly. Owen Hennessey was the victor at 200m freestyle and Dannen Morrissey won silver at 100m IM.

Ten athletes travelled from Mallow Masters. James O’Connell, Viktorija Skudience and Kevin Myers all won two freestyle events, 50m & 200m; 400m & 200m and 400m & 50m respectively.

Blackrock Masters had four athletes at the event, with Craig Knight, Clare Madden and Kirsty Madden all among the medallists.

The team relays were among the most exciting events of the day, with thrilling finishes and impressive team performances. 

A particular highlight was the Fun Relay, held midway through the gala, where each athlete swam while carrying a toggle, which acted as the baton to be transferred on each leg. 

This event brought plenty of entertainment and laughter to the spectators, adding a fun and unique element to the competition.

The gala provided a fantastic opportunity for seasoned and up-and-coming swimmers to test themselves against elite-level competitors. 

The high level of competition, combined with a great sporting atmosphere, ensured a memorable event for all involved.

Next up for many of these Masters will be the Irish Masters Championships in University of Limerick, on 7th & 8th March. 

While some also have their sights on the World Masters in Singapore later this year.