February is the coldest month of the year for sea swimming, but you couldn’t tell with the numbers who have kept going this year through the Winter.  A big gang in early on Saturday morning and three groups during the day on Sunday.  Why not, when it looks like this as Siobhan Russell captured..

Myrtleville dawn: February 7th, 2015

Lisa Cummins, as the only Irish person to swim the English Channel two-way, is a bit of a legend and a world-class cold water swimmer.  It’s fair to say it gives everyone a bit of heart when you see her dipping her toe in and saying “eeeeeeekkk” – quietly.  Carol Cashell made sure she didn’t miss the moment for a good smirk too!

You have to grab your chances with a visit from someone of Lisa’s experience, so two Myrtlevillain channel aspirants – Kieran Murphy and Anne Sheehy – seized the day and swam the sand channel under Lisa’s guidance.

Lisa carefully coached them in the finer points of the channel-swimming stroke while they crossed the great divide and Riana got it on film.

Kieran was celebrating with everyone afterwards.  A lifetime goal achieved.