A Proud Day for Glenalbyn Masters SC: Gus Cooney Appointed President of Leinster Open Sea

Our very own Gus Cooney has been appointed President of Leinster Open Sea for the 2026 season, and we couldn’t be prouder of the man who’s been swimming with our club through thick, thin, and freezing.

A Well-Deserved Honour

There are some moments in a swimming club’s history that simply deserve to be marked, and this is undoubtedly one of them. We’re absolutely thrilled to share the news that one of our own, the brilliant Gus Cooney, has officially been appointed President of Leinster Open Sea for the next 12 months.

It’s a position he’s earned over decades of dedication to the sport, and one that he takes on with the same grace, humour, and quiet authority that he brings to every swim, every race, and every pint of Guinness afterwards.

True to form, Gus took the appointment in his stride. When asked how he felt about taking on the presidency, he laughed and said it had been “a long time coming.” We’re not quite sure if he meant the role itself or his pension, but we suspect the former.

Seventy-Six Going on Twenty-Six

At 76 years young, Gus shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. He could probably outswim swimmers half his age on his off days, and he certainly outsmarts most of us when it comes to reading the water, the weather, and the tides.

That said, even Gus has his limits. He’s been quoted on more than one occasion saying that as much as he loves the cold Irish waters, he wouldn’t say no to a hot water bottle waiting for him on the beach. He’s also been known to suggest, with that classic glint in his eye, that perhaps Leinster Open Sea should consider relocating one or two of its races to somewhere a little more tropical. The rest of the committee, we suspect, are not yet convinced.

A Lifetime in the Water

Gus’s swimming story didn’t start last week. From his early days playing water polo with Sandycove Water Polo Club, through to his long-standing home at Glenalbyn Masters SC, he has woven himself into the fabric of Irish swimming in a way very few people manage.

He’s also a two-time English Channel relay swimmer, having crossed the Channel as part of relay teams in 2004 and 2006. The 2006 swim was a particular highlight, made up of Gus, his son Alvin, and four members of the well-known Morton family. He doesn’t bring it up often, but it’s a huge part of who he is as a swimmer.

More recently, in 2025, Gus brought home the historic Kilmartin Cup, a moment that had the entire club cheering him on. The photo of Gus lifting that cup is now one of the standout images on our club website, and rightly so.

What This Means for Glenalbyn Masters SC

Naturally, we’re chuffed at Glenalbyn Masters SC that one of our long-standing members is now President of LOS, but it’s about more than just bragging rights, although we’ll happily take those too.

Gus has been a cornerstone of our club for many years. He’s the kind of member every club hopes to have. Reliable, encouraging, generous with his time and advice, and always willing to help out with whatever needs doing. His appointment to the LOS presidency is a reflection of the standing he holds in the wider Irish swimming community, but it’s also a quiet reflection of the values our club tries to live by. Community, friendship, dedication, and a love of the water. Gus embodies all of it.

Here’s to the Year Ahead

So from all of us at Glenalbyn Masters SC, to our President, our clubmate, our friend, and our resident sea legend, congratulations Gus. You’ve earned this role and you’ll do it brilliantly.

We can’t wait to see you at the start line of every LOS race this season, presumably with a clipboard in one hand and your goggles in the other. Onwards and upwards, Gus. We’re behind you all the way.

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