High performance swimming athletes will continue to train at one of Swim Ireland’s key National Centres based at University of Limerick’s UL Sport Arena for another four years following a renewal of its strategic partnership with the sport’s National Governing Body.
This renewed agreement secures the future of the high-performance National Centre at University of Limerick's UL Sport Arena through to 2028 in preparation for the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the project also supported by Sport Ireland.
The agreement highlights the commitment of UL, Swim Ireland and Sport Ireland to the promotion of high-performance swimming and the supporting of elite athletes on their journey to Olympic and Paralympic success, as well as that of other major international swimming events en route at World and European levels.
Notably, this National Centre has been a crucial training ground for Ireland’s Paralympic swimmer and World Record holder Róisín Ní Riain, European Junior Champion John Shortt, Commonwealth Youth Games Champion Ellie McCartney and the captain of the 2024 Canadian Olympic Swim Team, Jeremy Bagshaw.
The partnership has been in place since 2000 and continues to provide best-in-class coaching, facilities and supports, led by Head Coach John Szaranek and his coaching team of Carlo Boni and Jade Murphy.
UL Sport boasts international-standard facilities including a national 50 metre swimming pool, a multipurpose sports arena, 3G pitches designed to GAA, FIFA, and IRB specifications, Ireland’s only indoor powered rowing tank, and many other advanced training amenities. These serve to enhance athletic performance and foster a dynamic and long-associated sports culture for students and the community.
Speaking at the announcement, Dr Jon Rudd, Swim Ireland National Performance Director, said: "This National Centre is managed in partnership with UL Sport and Sport Ireland and is uniquely positioned to offer a one-stop-shop experience that includes all the requirements of a high-performance athlete alongside a world-class university education, all delivered within a highly supportive and understanding environment. Many of our potential athletes for the LA Olympic or Paralympic Games in four years' time are either already based here full-time or use the Centre part-time whilst they are still in secondary school.”
Acknowledging the support of Sport Ireland, Dr Rudd added, “To sign a robust and fully functional agreement with UL Sport through to 2028 is a massive boost for us all, and this could not have been achieved without Sport Ireland's support throughout the process. The future is bright for Irish swimming, and the National Centre here at UL is a huge part of that.”
Brian King, Director of UL Sport, said: "With the Paris Olympics now upon us, we are really excited to continue our collaboration with Swim Ireland at the high-performance Centre here at University of Limerick. Swim Ireland has been a key strategic partner for the last 20 years, and we are delighted to confirm the continuation of this relationship up until the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.”
Attending the announcement were aforementioned performance swimming athletes Ellie McCartney and John Shortt, representing the future of Irish swimming and the opportunities that the UL Sport and Swim Ireland partnership will continue to provide.
This renewed agreement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved and offers significant benefits for the development of swimming in Ireland.
The partnership will continue to provide a nurturing environment for athletes, combining elite training programmes with exceptional educational opportunities.