The third annual Ulster Schools Relay Gala took place at the Belfast Royal Academy pool in Belfast on Friday last with school teams from all around the province competing for the cups. Twelve Enniskillen Royal Grammar School students took part in 8 different relay events.
The Junior Team (years 8, 9 and 10) competed in the Medley and Freestyle events. The girls team consisted of Molly Johnston, Sophia Williams, Ellie McCartney and Angel Huang had two terrific swims finishing 3rd and 4th in the Medley and Freestyle relays respectively. Patrick Williams and Rory Keogh (year 9) was joined by two Year 8 pupils, Nial Bruce and James Mongan and were clearly the youngest team out of all the schools. Despite this, they still managed to have a strong presence in both races. Patrick Williams, in particular, swam a fantastic final leg of the Freestyle relay improving two positions over his 50 metres. These young swimmers finished 7th out of 14 in both events.
Years 11 and 12 made up the Intermediate section where School Senior Swimming Captain Keelan McShea was joined by Lewis McCartney Josh Man and Jason Man in the two relay events. The boys finished the competition with two third places with a Freestyle time of 2:00.90 and a Medley time of 2:13.44. The races had extremely exciting finishes, and it was pleasing to see all individuals improve their swim times when the pressure was on.
Six of the students took part in the 6 x 50m Boys Freestyle Open relay; Kealan, Lewis, Josh, Jason, Rory and Patrick finished in 6th position. Lewis, Kealan and Josh were joined by Ellie McCartney (Junior Swimming Captain) in the 4 x 50m Open Medley Relay and swam a great race coming second only to be pipped for the Winners’ Cup by Belfast Royal Academy.
The twelve students enjoyed representing the School and had a great day. They were accompanied by Miss McKeown who helped prepare the swimmers and record times.
They were tremendous ambassadors for ERGS and enjoyed a well-deserved stop at Apple Green on the way home.
