 On 4 August 1894, J. McDermid of Templemore A.S.C.became the first Irish Champion under the new Association's rules when he annexed the 100 yards Championship of Ireland at the Belfast Waterworks ornamental pond.While Leinster Swimmers had some success at Irish Championships in these early years their progress was impeded by a lack of indoor facilities in the region at this time and it was not surprising that some of the organisations first international sides were dominated by Ulster swimmers.