’In 1997 two intrepid Lurgan swimmers, Turlough O’Hagan and Francie McAlinden, decided to enter themselves into theUlster Masters Championships at the Grove Baths in Belfast. Way back then they called themselves ‘The Alcatraz Swim Team’ and although they had limited success on this attempt ''a club was well and truly born''... 20 years on and more than just the name has changed! Turlough and Francie are still swimming and play an integral part in the club. Now both accomplished Ulster and Irish title holders they also still compete, indeed many of our current members are Ulster and Irish title holders past and present. What started back then as a one hour session needing just 1 lane per week has grown into 6 lanes of like-minded swimmers training twice a week. The Club now caters for adults interested in both competing and training and for senior members of our main club (Lurgan ASC) to continue competing after they reach the upper age limit. Our membership has now grown to over 40 swimmers from all walks of life who train for competitive masters’ galas, open water swimming events, triathlons/ironman events, or just for fun and fitness."
