Swimming club in Tipperary celebrates outstanding year

Tipperary Tigersharks, Tipperary Town, hosted its annual general meeting and annual awards presentation recently, providing an opportunity to reflect on another successful year both in and out of the pool.

Swimmers, parents, coaches and volunteers gathered to celebrate the achievements of club members over the past 12 months and recognise those who have excelled throughout the 2025/2026 season.

Head Coach Michael Foley thanked swimmers for their dedication, commitment and hard work throughout the year. He congratulated members on their achievements and highlighted the progress made across all age groups.

As part of the awards presentation, Michael announced the club's performance award winners for the season. The awards were based on a combination of attendance at training sessions, improvements in the pool, competition performance and personal best times achieved at galas throughout the year. The winners announced were:

James Gleeson (Tipperary Town), Emily Erbs (Lisvernane), Patricia Ryan (Oola), Michael Hayes (Aherlow), Mary Kate English (Oola), Sean O'Gorman (Kilfeacle), Lucy McGrath (Tipperary Town), David Kavanagh (Cashel) and Eabha Dalton (Bansha).

Michael Hayes also received the club trophy on behalf of his team (Team Wiffen) who participated in the club challenge night at the end of the last swim season.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the club's Swimmer of the Year Award, which was presented to Patricia Ryan following a remarkable season.

Patricia enjoyed a year to remember, qualifying for the National Minor Schools Competition, where she went on to win gold. She also claimed gold at the National Community Games and added to her impressive medal collection with victories at a number of Munster competitions throughout the year.

A student at Oola Primary School, Patricia has established herself as one of the club's brightest young talents and is undoubtedly one to watch in the years ahead.

Head Coach Michael Foley also confirmed the exciting news that club member Emily Erbs from Lisvernane has been selected for the Munster Regional Development Squad, an impressive achievement for the young swimmer and a proud milestone for her coaches.

Club Chairperson Oonagh Gleeson congratulated all award recipients and thanked the many volunteers, coaches and families who support the club throughout the year.

"The success of Tigersharks Swim Club is built on the dedication of our swimmers, coaches, volunteers and parents. It was wonderful to see so many achievements recognised. Patricia's success is an inspiration to all our younger swimmers, showing what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and a love of the sport.

“We look forward to building on this success and supporting the next generation of Tigersharks swimmers."

Tigersharks was delighted to welcome several new members to the club in September following two well-attended swim trial evenings hosted before the summer break and are sure that many of these names will feature in the years to come. With interest in the club continuing to grow, the waiting list for the 2027 season is now open through the Tigersharks Swim Club website www.tgsk.ie.

The entire club is looking ahead with positivity to the coming season, as Tigersharks Swim Club continues to develop swimming talent and promote participation in the sport across the Tipperary and Limerick regions.