Dolan succeeds Powell as swimming club head coach

Athlone Swimming Club has announced Denise Dolan as incoming head coach for next season.

“As Johnny Powell hangs up his stopwatch after 30 years, it is fitting that long time friend and fellow swimmer Denise dusts off her own stopwatch to take up the mantle this September,” said a statement from the club.

“Denise is no stranger to the waters of Athlone, having swam with Athlone Aces competitively in her younger swimming days and is a former Connacht record holder in backstroke events herself. She continues to train regularly in Athlone Regional Sports Centre, competing at Masters level and lots of open water events particularly for charity in recent years.

“Denise is a Level 2 qualified coach with Swim Ireland and has been part of the coaching team in the club for the last number of years. She will have a strong coaching team behind her, supported by a hard working committee.

“We look forward to having Denise’s energy and expertise on the pool deck next season and wish her the very best in her new role.”

Hailing from a renowned sporting family from Coosan, Denise follows in the coaching footsteps of her father Dessie and brother Des, both renowned coaches in GAA circles. Des is the current Westmeath football manager, while Denise’s brother Garry was in charge of Garrycastle when the club last won the Flanagan Cup.