Dromore brothers compete for Swim Ulster at inter-pros

Local boys Alex Walker (12) and his older brother Matthew Walker (14) got the notification from their head coach, Andy Reid, from Lisburn City Swimming Club. It was the first time the boys had been selected and they were absolutely thrilled at being called to represent their Region.

The Inter-Provincial took place on Saturday October 2 and was held this year at Lisburn LeisurePlex. Selection is tough for this competition and this year the top four Ulster swimmers in their respective age groups got selected.

Matthew competed in the 100m freestyle, a favourite event for Dromore High School teenager and finished third with a personal best of 58.43.

Matthew also was selected to swim in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay and the 4 x 50m medley relay helping secure valuable points for the Ulster squad.

Younger brother Alex was amazed when he discovered he had been selected to swim in the 100m backcrawl, 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle and on the day finished ninth, ninth and 11th respectively. He also got selected to swim in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay team and the 4 x 50m medley relay team where his team finished in the top three in both events.

The boys commented after the competition that it was an honour to be selected and felt very proud. Fabulous performances from Matthew and Alex right at the start of the swimming season.

Matthew and Alex train with Lisburn City Swimming Club and are fabulous young swimmers who are showing great potential. They are very dedicated and train between seven and 12 hours a week including early mornings at the pool.

The boys have collected an array of medals in the last three years at various competitions throughout Ulster. They have also qualified for the Irish Age Group Championships. Both boys hold top positions in their respective age groups in various events. They will continue to train and compete at ULSTER meets right through until July 2011 where the pinnacle of their season will be to again make the Irish Age Group Championships in July.

Both boys are pupils of Dromore High School and have represented their school at past Ulster Swimming Championships notching up great personal bests and securing medals.

Matthew got selected by Ulster Schools in January 2010 after competing at the Secondary Schools Swimming Championships and will go to Tenerife on 22 October 2010 for a week long warm weather training camp. He will take part in the Secondary Schools Championships in January 2011.

Alex is soon to compete at the Ulster Minor Schools Championships swimming in two events, the 50M Butterfly and 100M Individual Medley.