This year saw the biggest entry to date at the All-Ireland National Acrobatics Finals. Gymnasts from all over the country travelled to the University of Limerick for a weekend of acrobatics, gymnastics and pure skill. Pyramid Gymnastics Club was well represented with gymnasts from their intermediate and senior classes taking part on both days. Levels ranged from Grade 3 all the way to senior, with some of the most spectac-ular routines being performed and appreciated by the audience and other gymnasts alike. The general standard was exceptional, with head judge Jackie O’Herlihy remarking that the level of competition was at an all-time high. Our Grade 5 mixed pair of Mark Cranitch and Ciara Fitz-patrick were first out with their dynamic routine. This routine consists of high flying somersaults, release and catch moves and individual backflips, to name but a few. This was a great start to the senior competition, taking them into first place ahead of Sunday’s event.
Following this, we had our grade 3 pairs of Emma Fitzpatrick and Kellianne O’Callaghan along with Nadine Lyons and Sarah O’Brien. These girls performed with great ease and poise to finish 8th and 14th respectively. This was a fantastic achievement as this was Kellianne’s first ever National Finals.
Our Grade 3 trio of Sinead Looney, Emma Fitzpatrick and Anna Ryan walked to the competition floor with such confidence. Their performance was outstand-ing, combining dynamic and balance elements with choreo-graphy to match a lively, energetic routine. This was one of the biggest competi-tions over the weekend and the girls went way out in front to take the first set of gold medals for Pyramid Gymnastics.
It was an early start on Sunday morning for Mark and Ciara to perform their second routine of elegance, artistry and pure gymnastics. High pyramids showed control and strength with flexibility in abundance throughout this routine. A technical score of 8.20 out of a possible 10 added to Saturday’s performance and ensured this fantastic pair another set of gold medals.
Last to perform were our grade 4 trios of Lucy Linehan, Regina Griffin and Noelle Glynn, along with Aoife Browne, Michelle Nagle and Amy Stapleton. Again, all these girls did the club so proud, coming 4th and 6th respectively out of a possible 24.
Well done to all involved.