Portadown Amateur Swimming Club returned from the 2026 Irish Age Group Summer National Championships in Limerick with plenty to celebrate after six swimmers qualified for Ireland’s premier age-group competition.
Five swimmers travelled to compete, bringing home two national medals, multiple A Final appearances and outstanding relay performances that saw the club’s youngest team finish as the highest-placed Ulster relay team in both 12-year-old relay events.
Qualification for the Irish Age Group Summer National Championships represents the culmination of a season of hard work and dedication, with only the country’s fastest swimmers earning a place.
This year, Eva Kearney, Lucy Neill, William Martin, Alfie Morton, Gabriele Karaliute and Aleksandra Zaliwska all achieved the qualifying standard, highlighting the continued strength of Portadown ASC’s thriving performance programme. Although Aleksandra was unfortunately unable to attend this year’s championships, qualifying alone is a tremendous achievement and reflects the commitment she has shown throughout the season.
For four of the club’s competitors – Eva Kearney, Lucy Neill, William Martin and Alfie Morton – this was their very first National Championships. Despite competing on Ireland’s biggest stage for the first time, the talented quartet rose magnificently to the occasion.
The four 12-year-olds produced two outstanding relay performances, finishing fourth in both the Mixed 12 Years Medley Relay and Mixed 12 Years Freestyle Relay, making them the highest-placed Ulster team in both events. Their performances demonstrated superb teamwork, composure and determination, competing toe-to-toe with some of Ireland’s largest and most established swimming clubs.
The standout individual performer for Portadown ASC was William Martin, who enjoyed a sensational championship. William claimed a silver medal in the 100m Freestyle and a bronze medal in the 200m Freestyle, confirming his place among Ireland’s very best 12-year-old swimmers. He also qualified for the A Finals of the 100m Butterfly, 200m Individual Medley and 100m Backstroke, showcasing his remarkable versatility across all four strokes and individual medley events. His performances were a fitting reward for the hard work and commitment he has shown throughout the season.
Eva Kearney also produced an excellent championship, qualifying for the 100m Backstroke B Final, where she finished 14th overall in Ireland. She also competed strongly in the 200m Individual Medley and 100m Breaststroke, gaining invaluable experience at the highest level of age-group competition.
Lucy Neill represented the club superbly in the 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke. In the 200m breaststroke, she was the only girl from an Ulster club to make the A final. She also played a pivotal role in both relay teams. Her performances reflected the progress she has made throughout the season and her ability to perform under pressure on the national stage.
Alfie Morton made an outstanding National Championship debut, contributing significantly to both relay performances, gaining significant pbs and demonstrating tremendous composure in his first appearance at this level of competition.
Gabriele Karaliute also proudly represented Portadown ASC, competing against the country’s elite swimmers and adding to the club’s impressive national presence.
Behind every race lies countless early mornings, hours of training and unwavering commitment from swimmers, coaches, volunteers and families. The performances in Limerick are a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in Portadown ASC and reinforce the club’s reputation for developing talented young swimmers capable of competing at the highest level in Ireland.
With six National Championship qualifiers, two national medals, numerous finals appearances and relay teams that were the highest-placed from Ulster, the 2026 Irish Age Group Summer National Championships will be remembered as one of the club’s most successful national campaigns in recent years.
