Splitz Gymnasts travel to compete at Clondalkin Acro friendly

22 members of Splitz Gymnastics Club Acro Squad travelled to Dublin last month for their first competitive performance of the season.

The Acro Friendly competition, hosted by Clondalkin Gymnastics Club, attracted over 150 gymnasts from clubs throughout Ireland with an abundance of dynamic partnerships on display.

The event catered for a wide range of skill levels and for younger members in the squad, this was their first time competing in the discipline of Acrobatics.

The nine newly formed partnerships performed a two-minute routine to music which consisted of a wide range of balances and tumbles. It is fair to say that their hard work, dedication, and commitment received just rewards as the gymnasts earned themselves a generous haul of medals for the club.

First up was the IDP trio, Erin McGoldrick, Jessica Hanna and Aoife McGuigan whose elegant and rhythmic display gained them a highly deserved and impressive silver medal place.

Next up were the IDP pairs.

Sarah Wilson and Dale Fisher represented Splitz as the mixed pair and Mena O’Reilly and Riona Dooris in the women’s pairs category with both partnerships earning the keenly sought-after gold medal position.

Grade Five trio, Poppy Corr, Naoise Kerrin and Phoebe Rutledge took to the floor next to perform their routine to a James Bond compilation earning them a bronze medal position.

Our Grade Four trio of Cori McConnell, Alicia McElwaine and Abi Ely performed a beautiful routine to a ‘Dance Moms’ mix. This was the category with the most competitors and their trio wowed the audience with an abundance of artistic flair and finesse.

On to the afternoon session where the Grade Three mixed pair, Annie-Rose Bannon and Dualta McNabb wowed the audience with their powerful performance, choreographed to the Forrest Gump soundtrack, securing yet another medal for the club with a highly impressive first place.

Grade Two pair Maire-Aoibhlinn Mulholland and Mollie-Kate Brewster shone in their routine to a Megan Trainor mix, performing a clean routine in a highly competitive category.

Our youngest pair Imogen Gallen and Claudie-Jane McKee did not disappoint with their performance not only earning them the gold medal position but also the highest score trophy. Not a bad way to start their first acrobatic gymnastics season!

As the competition drew to a close, the club’s final competitors rounded off the day in style with the youth trio of Sophie McGrath, Poppie Beddard and Caoimhe O’Reilly. Their routine was a highly energetic performance to  ‘Sister Act’ with technically advanced gymnastic elements that scooped them the gold medal position.

Head Coach Jenny Hanna said: "What a way to begin our competitive season! These partnerships are newly formed this year and train up to three evenings a week, so to see their hard work paying off is just fantastic to see. I couldn’t be prouder!"

The club’s Head Coach also paid tribute to all the parents and coaching staff for their unwavering support adding: "On a weekend where we saw widespread flooding across the Region there were moments where we didn’t think we would be able to travel to competition. I am extremely grateful for the support and help of our parents, judges and coaches. Without them, none of this would be possible."

An exciting season lies ahead for all these acro partnerships as they look forward to flipping and dancing their way into lots more highly contested competitions!