Asgard Swimming

 

Asgard Swimming Club Celebrates 25th Anniversary in Style at Irish Winter Nationals

Asgard Swimming Club marked a major milestone in its history with a hugely successful outing at the Irish Winter National Championships, celebrating its 25th anniversary in fitting fashion at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown over the weekend.

The Irish Winter Nationals, a prestigious Level 5 gala, brought together Ireland’s leading swimming clubs alongside international competitors, creating a high-performance environment that tested the very best. Representing the Arklow-based club were Isaac MacIntosh (17), Stephen Bell (16), Anya McKenna (15), Ciara McKevitt (15) and Maya Hogan (13), all of whom earned qualification through demanding entry standards.

Racing got underway on Friday with a series of impressive performances. Thirteen-year-old Maya Hogan made an outstanding debut at this level, recording a personal best of 1:10.74 in the 100m freestyle. Stephen Bell followed with a superb swim in the 200m individual medley, setting a new Asgard club record with a time of 2:12.46. Isaac MacIntosh showed his strength in the 100m breaststroke, touching home in 1:08.92, while Ciara McKevitt delivered a strong 200m butterfly — a remarkable achievement for an athlete who only began competitive swimming last year.

Day two saw further progress from the Wicklow swimmers. Bell once again demonstrated his endurance in the demanding 400m individual medley, clocking a new personal best of 4:47.62. Maya Hogan and Anya McKenna both impressed in the 50m butterfly, continuing the team’s positive momentum and confidence.

The final day of competition provided a memorable conclusion for Team Asgard. Stephen Bell dipped under the one-minute barrier for the first time in the 100m butterfly, a significant milestone in his development. Maya Hogan enjoyed another excellent day, recording personal bests in both the 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle. Isaac MacIntosh capped off the weekend with a strong performance in the 50m breaststroke, winning his heat, before earlier securing a personal best of 2:28.46 in the 200m breaststroke to earn a place in the B final against top national opposition.

The team was guided throughout the weekend by senior coach and club founder John Kealy, a former Deaflympic gold medallist and World Championship medallist. Widely regarded as the driving force behind the club, Kealy’s experience, dedication and support played a crucial role in the swimmers’ success.

Asgard Swimming Club’s appearance at the Irish Winter Nationals proved a fitting celebration of 25 years, highlighting not only impressive results but also the club’s enduring pride, spirit and commitment to excellence.