The resplendent Carlton Hotel, Blanchardstown, was the backdrop for the illustrious Swim Ireland Awards, where 18-year-old Ellie McCartney was crowned the Female Performance Pathway Athlete of the Year 2023.

The Enniskillen native has had an extraordinary year, etching her name into aquatic glory with some stellar performances.

McCartney’s year was her best, with a dominant display at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinbago, where she seized double gold medals and a bronze.

She also won a medal at the European Juniors Championships in Serbia, where she claimed bronze.

Adding to her accolades was setting her first Ulster Senior Record in the 200m Individual Medley – a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence.

The transition to the National Centre Limerick and her academic pursuits at the University of Limerick have evidently provided a conducive environment for Ellie.

Reflecting on her remarkable year, McCartney highlighted her experience at the Commonwealth Youth Games as her pinnacle moment, sharing, “My highlight has to be winning first and second with my teammate, Grace Davison. It is something pretty special to have teammates on the podium at an International Meet.”

McCartney has qualified for the LEN European Short Course Championships in Romania in December.

As Ellie McCartney looks ahead, her trajectory seems set on an upward path, with the support of her teammates and coaches.

The Swim Ireland Awards will hopefully just be a prelude to the many more successes that await this remarkable athlete from Enniskillen.