Tipperary Tigersharks start the year with a splash at Munster championships

Tigersharks Tipperary Town Swim Club have kicked off 2026 in superb fashion, celebrating a hugely successful outing at the recent Munster Minor Schools Championships held at the University of Limerick.

18 of the club’s junior swimmers represented their schools at the Munster Regional event and all produced outstanding swims.
Star performers were Patricia Ryan, who took two gold medals home to Oola National School; and Alice Erbs, who brought home a silver medal to Lisvernane National School.

Nine of the club’s swimmers achieved qualifying times for the upcoming Irish Minor Schools Championships in the National Aquatic Centre, a remarkable achievement for both the swimmers and the club.

The Munster Minor Schools Championships is one of the most highly anticipated events on the swimming calendar for young athletes across the province. The competition provides an important platform for primary school children to showcase their skills, whether they are club-trained swimmers or those who simply enjoy the sport.

The championships are split into two sessions, with 11 and 12-year-olds competing in the morning, followed by the 9 and 10-year-old age groups in the afternoon.

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Among the outstanding performers for Tigersharks were Emily and Alice Erbs (Lisvernane National School), Georgina Purcell (Emly National School), Hannah O’Connell (Ayle National School), Beau Burke (Thomastown National School) and Catherine and Patricia Ryan (Oola National School), all of whom secured individual qualification for the 2026 Irish Minor Schools Championships that will take place at the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre on Sunday March 29.

Further success came in the freestyle relay, where the qualifying team was made up of Tigersharks swimmers. Representing Oola National School were swimming sisters Patricia and Catherine Ryan, alongside sisters Isabelle and Grace Ryan.

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The Irish Minor Schools Championships will feature a wide range of age groups and individual events, offering young swimmers the opportunity to compete on a national stage and gain invaluable experience.

Oonagh Gleeson, Chairperson of the club, said “Tipperary Tigersharks Swim Club are immensely proud of all our swimmers who competed, and this early-season success is a testament to the dedication of the athletes and coaches, and the ongoing support of families and schools.

“Last year we had three swimmers qualify. To jump to nine qualifying and three medals this year is a huge achievement for our small club. The club looks forward to cheering on their swimmers as they represent their club, school and Munster at national level later this spring”.