Lisburn Castlereagh Swimming Gala Celebrates Excellence in Primary School Sport

Excitement filled Lagan Valley LeisurePlex as more than 400 local school children took part in the annual Lisburn & Castlereagh Primary Schools Swimming Gala on 5th June 2026.

Bringing together P4–P7 pupils, the event offered a day of friendly competition at one of Northern Ireland’s largest swimming galas.

Representing 21 schools, the young swimmers were cheered on as they dived into the pool to compete in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle and relay races.

During the event, the P4–P5 Special Achievement Award was presented to Jemima Crawford of Wallace Prep, while the P6–P7 award was presented to Callum Corbett of Ballymacash Primary School.

Friends’ Prep won the P4–P5 freestyle relay, with Downshire Primary School taking a well-earned second place and St Joseph’s Primary School finishing third. In the afternoon session, Friends’ Prep also claimed first place in the P6 freestyle relay, followed by St Joseph’s Primary School in second and St Aloysius Primary School in third.

St Aloysius Primary School secured first place in the P6–P7 medley, followed by Friends’ Prep in second place and St Joseph’s Primary School securing third.

In the P7 freestyle relay, Riverdale Primary School took first place, with St Joseph’s Primary School finishing second and Friends’ Prep in third place.

Downshire Primary School secured first place in the overall schools event, taking home the prestigious champion’s title. Friends’ Prep finished in second place, with Riverdale Primary School claiming third.

Presenting the afternoon session medals, the Chair of Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry, said, “The Primary Schools’ Swimming Gala is always such a great highlight of the school year. It’s a fantastic display of teamwork and determination, and it was brilliant to see so many children giving it their all in the pool while being cheered on by their classmates. Events like this really help build confidence and encourage a lifelong love of sport. Every participant should feel a real sense of achievement, especially those taking part for the very first time.  Your families and teachers are very proud of your effort and enthusiasm, and it has been wonderful to see the support and encouragement shown throughout the gala.”

Presenting the morning session medals, the Director of Leisure & Community Wellbeing at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Louise Moore commented, “Swimming is an essential life skill that plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, fitness and overall wellbeing. It helps to develop strength, stamina and coordination, while also building confidence and water safety skills from an early age.

Many of the 21 schools represented at this year’s gala already participate in our School Swim Programme, making this event the ideal opportunity for pupils to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment that is both familiar and encouraging.

We are incredibly proud of all the young swimmers who took part and demonstrated such talent, perseverance and sportsmanship throughout the day.

I would like to thank the schools for their continued support and the staff at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex for their hard work in delivering another successful and enjoyable event.”

Pictured above: Chair of Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry presenting the P6 Freestyle Relay. In first place, Friends' Prep, in second place, St Joseph's Primary School and in third place, St Aloysius Primary School. 

Pictured above: Chair of Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry presenting the P6/P7 Medley Relay winners. In first place, St Aloysius Primary School, in second place Friends' Prep and in third place, St Joseph's Primary School Lisburn.

Pictured above: Chair of Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry presenting the P7 Freestyle relay.  In first place, Riverdale Primary School, in second place St Joseph's Primary School, and in third place in Friends' Prep. 

Pictured above, Louise Moore, Director of Leisure & Community Wellbeing presents the P4/P5 Freestyle Relay. In first place, Friends' Prep, in second place Downshire Primary School and in third place St Joseph's Primary School. 

Pictured above, Louise Moore, Director of Leisure & Community Wellbeing presents the P4–P5 Fiona Bates Memorial Special Achievement Award to Jemima Crawford of Wallace Prep. 

Pictured above: Chair of Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry presenting the P6–P7  Fiona Bates Memorial Special Achievement Award was presented to Callum Corbett of Ballymacash Primary School.

Pictured above, Overall Winners: 1ST Downshire Primary School with 234 points, 2nd Friends' Prep with 223 points and 3rd Riverdale Primary School with 153 points.