As you climb the stairs at our pool you can’t help but glance over your shoulder and see the glittering jewel, Terminal 2 (T2) at Dublin Airport. With the bubble wrap barely removed, it’s still finding its feet. We’re now swimming in the shadow of a giant.
Thanks to Brian Whelan’s rare eye, these mouth-watering photographs capture the majesty of our new neighbour. Nocturnal images mingle with a ghostly and surreal beauty. T2 might be touching distance but it’s a world apart from our humble swimming pool. With its opulent glass façade and brushed steel finish, it serves as a timely reminder of an endangered and nearly extinct species, the Celtic Tiger.
Our pool is dwarfed in comparison as T2 bristles with self confidence. A humming air -conditioned fortress provides a soothing balm for the weary traveller just stepping off an international flight. In the background, the ALSAA pool quietly goes unnoticed as our swimmers pound out length after length, honing their skills through endless iteration.
There’s noisy poolside chatter before silence descends, as swimmers dedicate themselves to the moment. A quick nod to the gods and then furious practice begins. Drills are like frustrating jigsaw puzzles which eventually click into place. A symphony of movement follows, with swimmers chasing that elusive perfect stroke.
The session ends, the waters subside and calm returns until tomorrow when it all begins again. The Spartan like conditions help build toughness, teamwork and strength. Our unpampered squad resemble the heroic 300 waiting for the imminent Persian advance. Like Leonidas we’re used to beating the odds, stamped with an unwavering belief that our dedication will be repaid with interest…
I know I’m a little biased but I was blown away when Brian sent me these images, they are absolutely amazing. We have a couple more which I’ll post over the next couple of days and on the club’s twitter account. Thanks Brian….
Brilliant! And I thought we only had talented swimmers in our club! Those pictures and that piece are worth National medals anyday! Well Done!
Brilliant shots and brilliant writing Brian….going to sent a link to DAA’s publicity guys and hope it gets published in their staff mag !
love the shots Brian excellent Job looks great
Thanks for comments on Photographic compositions, However I would like to state for the record that
these Photos were commisioned by Colm Harling and copyrite belongs to “© Aer Lingus Swim Club and Colm Harling”.
Colm Harling wished to show on the ALSC website that the Club close to the new Terminal Building 2 for visiting swimmers.
Any Permissions to use these in any other website or literature, in whole or in part, you will need to contact Colm Harling of Aer Lingus Swim Club to arrange same before use.
Stunning pictures Brian and great piece of writing Colm – thank you both for taking the time
Well done Brian & Colm, lovely piece of work and a good landmark to identify where our swim club is located for those who do not know where we are and can be difficult to find.
Thanks for all the positive feedback.
We’d encourage all our readers to write an article for the website at some stage (name can be witheld, if you want to avoid the glare of publicity). Looking forward to an avalanche of contributions. Please also let us know what kind of stuff you’d like to see on the site…
Thanks – Colm….
Fantastic photos Brian.
Well done
Fabulous pictures Brian and excellent prose Colm.
Well done to you both!
Well done Brian and Colm, pictures are absolutely amazing and astonishing, the article complements them really well and make the Club shine out of the water!