Athlone’s Shane plays for Ireland in water polo tournament
In a major boost for Athlone RSC Water Polo Club, Under-16 player Shane Killian was selected to play on the Irish Under-18 team last weekend. The Irish team took part in the ASA Inter Regional Championships in Watford, England and after winning all four matches in Division 1, they became the tournament champions.
Shane, in his first call up to the Irish squad, took part in all four games and scored two goals for his country. His young age, now 16, means that he will be eligible to play again next year should he be selected. Shane is a son of Fiona and Ger Killian and he also plays football for Athlone GAA club.
“Shane’s inclusion in the Irish team is just recognition for his excellent water polo skills, understanding of the game, his competitiveness and his long term commitment to training,” says Mariusz Smialek, coach to the U16 boys and the senior men’s teams at Athlone RSC.
“Shane’s dedication to training and his desire to continuously improve his game has been a huge part in getting him to this level. He’s a talented all-round athlete and despite his commitment to other sports like GAA, he still rarely ever missed a training session here at Athlone RSC. We’re extremely proud of his achievement at the weekend.”
Charlie Naughton, coach to the U14 boys team, said: “Shane started playing water polo with us in late 2018 when he was just 10 years old. As a relatively new club he is one of the first group of boys who have played at U12, U14, U16 and now senior level and he has been totally committed throughout the six years.
“His journey from being a 10-year-old learning the basics of water polo, to scoring 2 goals playing for his country at U18 level, is a source of great pride to all of us who had the pleasure to coach him along the way,” Charlie added.
Shane said: “I was honoured to be invited to train with the National squad. I never imagined I would get to represent Ireland so when I was selected to join the team for the Division 1 ASA tournament, it was a dream come true!
“It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I’m so grateful to my coaches at both club and national level for their support, guidance and belief. I’m looking forward to the next step and seeing what the future holds as a player and as a coach to our young players.”
Athlone RSC Water Polo Club was formed in 2015, the junior club started up in mid-2016 and a senior men’s team first entered the National League in late 2017. In more recent years the club has entered teams in the U14 and U16 Boys National League and have competed in various Irish tournaments at U12 to U17 levels. Last year the club's membership surpassed 100 players aged between 10 years and 61 years!
This season the club has four League teams, with the addition for the first time of a girls team in the National League. “This is a really exciting development for the club,” said Charlie. “It’s been a long process to get to the stage where we have enough girls playing water polo, but now we have a great group of girls who are working hard together and eager to play.”
They had their first outing last Saturday when they travelled to the National Aquatic Centre with their coach Peter Lemass. Despite a good start in the first half, they lost out to Newry in the final two quarters but they are looking forward to their next game this coming weekend in Galway.
It’s been a great start to the season for Athlone RSC. The U16 boys have won both three of their four league matches in recent weeks and the U14 boys won their first match. As well as Shane Killian’s Irish cap, coach Mariusz Smialek has also represented the club at national level.
Mariusz was assistant coach to the U17 girls team at the same ASA tournament in the UK recently, a tournament which the girls also won. And Mariusz has also been selected as the head coach for the U13 boys' national team.
The coaching team of Mariusz, Peter and Charlie is being extended now in line with the growth in numbers. Recently Frank Nolan, one of the club's longest serving members, and Shane have started their coaching qualification so they will be involved with the junior teams going forward.
Open Night
Meanwhile, Athlone RSC Water Polo Club will hold a free 'Open Night' for boys born in 2011 and 2012 this coming Sunday from 7pm to 8pm. Those interested must be able to swim 50 metres of the three main strokes and be able to thread in deep water.
To take part, email charlie@athlonersc.ie - a separate open night for girls will be held soon.