UPMC Dive in to lend support to Kilkenny swim club
Kilkenny Swim Club have announced that UPMC is to become their official healthcare partner.
The partnership agreement means that UPMC, which offers trusted, high-quality health services at UPMC Aut Even Hospital and UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, Santry, as well as a network of hospitals and sports medicine clinics across Ireland, will work with Kilkenny Swim Club to offer over 300 members top-class care and attention in sports injury and preventative care.
“I am delighted that we have become the first swim team in Ireland to partner with UPMC,” said Kilkenny Swim Club Head Coach, John Duffy. “Our long standing efforts to achieve athletic excellence can only be enhanced with the experience and expertise that UPMC brings through its expert consultants, physiotherapists and sports scientists. The benefits to our swimmers will be immeasurable and we look forward to the partnership.”
Commenting on the new partnership, Claire Phelan, General Manager, UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny, said, “This collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we join forces to support and promote the development of swimming excellence in our community,” she said.
“At UPMC, we are deeply committed to fostering health and wellness initiatives that positively impact the lives of individuals and communities. We recognise the tremendous dedication, talent, and achievements of the Kilkenny Swim Club; this partnership will enable us to provide enhanced resources and support to them, helping their athletes reach new heights in their swimming careers.”
With over 40 years of swimming behind them, Kilkenny Swim Club has a long history in Kilkenny. Many of the current members are children of former club swimmers.
Based at the Watershed, Kilkenny Swim Club has a very active, diverse and vibrant membership. With more that 300 swimmers registered with the Club during the 2022/23 season, its membership base goes from introductory at D Squad level to elite/high performance at A Squad.
As the season draws to a close for most of our squads, the A Squad swimmers turn their attention to the national championships. These galas are the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and training. The younger members of A Squad aged 12 – 14 years will compete in Limerick at the Irish Age Group Championships early July while, at the end of the month, the senior swimmers (15 years plus) compete at the National Aquatic Centre in the Irish Youth and Senior Championships.
Many will be in search of national titles, others are going to defend titles - all are there to perform, do their best and enjoy their sport.
As part of the last leg of their training for the Summer Nationals, 15 of the older A Squad swimmers are going to Italy for a week of intensive outdoor warm weather training. This includes two two-hour pool sessions per day, plus a daily one hour strength and conditioning training session. UPMC have very generously supported the team by kitting them out in Arena gear for their trip.
Chairperson of Kilkenny Swim Club, Olivia Cuddihy says she’s thrilled to see the swimmers’ efforts being recognised.
“Having an organisation like UPMC wishing to partner with our club is a great boost for our swimmers,” she said. “They work so hard all year, it’s great to have UPMC behind us. The future is very bright for our swimmers and now with UPMC I am confident it’s even brighter.”
For original article in the Kilkenny People please click here.
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