Before we post Ned Denison’s swim report, Bernard Lynch and Damian O’Neill have to say we were delighted to be asked to – quote – “play with the Big Boys” last Saturday. Thanks, Ned….
Bernard & Damian with Ned “one of the Big Boys” Denison
Swim Report by Ned Denison – pictures by Carol Cashell, Frank Lynch, Kieran O’Sullivan and Donal Buckley:
This morning before 8am, the air temperature was 5C and the ground felt colder in bare feet.
Sunrise at Myrtleville
Safety boats arriving at sunrise
9 swimmers waded out to two ribs and then tried to bundle up in jackets to stay warm. Off then from Myrtleville towards Roches Point
Boat 2 ready to go
The Port of Cork approved the safety plan in advance – it was based on the most experienced marathon swimmers only being invited (Channel soloer and 3 Myrtleville 2012 marathoners). We were well served by 6 great volunteers: Tom McCarthy and Billy Kelleher in Boat 1. Tom and Frank Lynch plus Dominic Baxter in Boat 2. Kieran O’Sullivan coordinating beach activities…and ready for possible transport if needed.
Tom Lynch, Frank Lynch, Bernard Lynch & Dominic Baxter.
Tom McCarthy & Billy Kelleher: the Safety Men
These kinds of swims do not happen without volunteers – so, many thanks folks. The swimmers made a donation each to the RNLI.
Waiting for the Tanker to pass at Roches Point.
We needed to wait at Roches Point while a tanker passed by and then the first 6 set off. Five minute later three more set off. The plan was for the swimmers to “meetish” in the middle of the shipping channel – to give the safety boats the maximum flexibility in case the port needed us out. It was about 1 hour before high water and we expected a tiny push in towards the harbour.
Ready to go at Roches Point
The first group either got caught immediately in an eddy and headed out to sea or Bernard Lynch lead them on a current beating line. Discussion continues on this subject…. The second group headed toward the red buoy (1k out) toward Church Bay….and certainly had a long angle back to Myrtleville.
Just missed the ferry!.
While Finbarr, upon hitting the water, declared it to be toasty,,,,,nobody else confirmed his view. It was 11 to 13 C from the watches and boat instruments.
All made it safety and we were unexpectedly greeted by Lisa Cummins and Riana Parsons with fresh made scones (2 more volunteers we thank!).
Paraic’s Cafe – thanks to Riana and Lisa
This 3 k was seeming a first ever. Others swam in the past from Roches Point to Crosshaven and also to Church Bay. I doubt it will ever be a mass swimming event….but it was there and had to be done !
If anyone wants to organise a new/never been done swim…let me know and I can advise on safety plan etc. NED DENISON.
Click below for pictures:
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