Kingdom swimmers selected for Regional Squad
Two local swimmers from Kingdom Swimming Club, based at Tralee Sports & Leisure Complex, have been selected for the prestigious Swim Ireland Regional Pathway Programme 2021/2022. Joe Reidy (18) and Harry Boyd (18) were informed this week of their places on the squad leading to great celebration within the club.
This high performance programme is limited to just 30 athletes nationwide and is designed to further develop those in high performance swimming post secondary school and into third level. Through this bespoke programme, athletes are supported over the next 2-3 years as they transition into a post secondary school performance environment. Athletes are carefully selected for the programme by the National Performance Pathway Manager in association with Regional Pathway Development Coaches.
Kingdom Head Coach Ger McDonnell says ‘This is an incredible achievement for the boys and a reflection of all their hard work and commitment over the last few years. Both Harry and Joe have competed at national level representing Kingdom SC since their early teens. Everyone is delighted to see their efforts rewarded with a place on a programme of such high calibre but also because it supports their continued commitment to swimming once they go on to third level’.
This is not the first time the high standards of excellence in swimming have been recognised within the Kingdom Swimming Club. Most recently Grace Reidy, sister of Joe, was selected for the national F4-24 Olympic programme.
The past 18 months have been especially difficult for all swimmers with pool closures, restrictions and the loss of two competitive seasons. Kingdom SC have just recommenced training last week after 8 months out of the pool but to have this fabulous news is definitely a great boost for everybody in the club and gets the 2021/2022 season off to a great start.
