We’re struggling on bravely in the heat of the sea – some watches reaching 19.5c in the last couple of days, but at least 18c all the time.  Sweatin’ lads, Sweatin’.

Brian, Nigel, Niamh, Ornaith, Martin, Richard & Isa. Sunny Monday night.

Ber & Tom – on the Riviera.

“Second shift line up for photos.  First shift – get in the water!”  Siobhan marshals the troops from behind the lens.

A small group enjoyed Monday evening so much, they arrived for the sunrise this morning.  Dawn swim – a beautiful start to the day.

Over eighty entries for Saturday now, but still plenty of room so enter now, if you’re ready for it.  Swim Safe.

As swimmers flock back to the pool – to cool down from the heat in the sea – we’re preparing for the RNLI Myrtleville – Church Bay swim next Saturday.  The sea is simply too hot, so we’ve brought in equipment to cool things down to acceptable Irish levels.

Getting to grips with the new equipment for Myrtleville Beach.

Of course, it’s not easy to get it right.  Some of the settings were a bit high the first time we brought it down to the beach for a test run.

Some casualties when we were trying out the machine.

Hopefully we’ll have it sorted by next Saturday.   Get your entries in anyway!

Let it never be said that we didn’t have some fierce literate swimmers down Myrtleville way.

Following in the steps – or strokes – of Alexander Dumas’ hero, Edmond Dantès, from The Count of Monte Cristo, several Myrtlevillains are entered in the 5km Monte Cristo Challenge in France soon.  Best of luck to all 🙂

Warm-water training in Myrtleville today: Rosaleen McKeown, Breda Maguire, Barbara Anne Richardson, Olive Hughes, Anne Smyth, Sean Foley, Keith MacKeown.

This Saturday, June 21st, is the second annual Summer solstice event at Sandycove, to celebrate the life of Páraic Casey. It will kick off around 12:30pm, with a swim at 1:00pm for whoever wants to get in. There is no distance requirement – even if you just want to dip your big toe, you are more than welcome!

Click here for further details.  The forecast is fantastic, so head along and enjoy the day.

It certainly worked for these ladies anyway!  Siobhan Russell stepped out from behind the camera, conquered a few small nerves and went around Garnish Island last Saturday to complete a fantastic 3km swim.  Joleen Cronin, Amy Barry-Murphy and Ger Venner were also first-timers around the Island and it’s a great achievement for them all.  Very well done 🙂

Ger Venner, Joleen Cronin, Siobhan Russell and Amy Barry-Murphy who all completed the the 3km Garnish swim at the weekend.

Next challenge: RNLI Myrtleville – Church Bay on June 28.

Lots more Myrtleville locals also made the trip.  Denis Condon did 5km, but forgot to take off his wetsuit before he started.   Won’t need it next time, he says.

Eilis Burns brought her group of swimmers to Myrtleville to get them used to the sea last evening.  After a calm introduction in Garryvoe a couple of weeks back, they got to experience some waves in Myrtleville and everyone handled it really well.  It was a great night.

For anyone in the group who wants to get in some further swims in Myrtleville, you can follow @MyrtlevilleS for updates, email myrtlevilleswimmers@gmail.com or join us at the main swim times on Monday at 6pm, Tuesday and Friday at 06.15 or Saturday at 08.15.   Keep it up, now you’ve started 🙂

Siobhan Russell was on hand to capture the scenes, as ever.

Rainbow near the Dutchman.

Some younger swimmers came along too!

Prime candidates for Siobhan’s instruction to ‘Pose!’

And Eddie was there enjoying the last few swims when he’s actually (but only slightly) faster than Neddy.

Neddy & Eddie Irwin – Eddie’s looking tired just trying to keep one length ahead.

It may have taken just a bit longer than planned, but our new hats are now printed and available in yellow or white.  Thanks to everyone who entered and our sponsors from Diesel, North Main Street and Centra, Crosshaven.

The judges decided they liked parts of three different entries – from three different families!   No expense was spared in finding the leading experts in the field to combine these into a logo for print (thanks, Joleen!) and here’s the result.  No longer sad…

Happy Hat.

With input from the Frost, O’Neill and Russell family entries, the logo combines Roches Point, the Dutchman rocks and a piece of graffiti familiar to everyone who swims in Myrtleville – “Edging Insanity” – from the doors of the old boathouse.

For Rock Trivia fans: Edging Insanity was a short-lived Waterford band, who played in the Pine Lodge – or maybe just visited the beach –  and left their mark forever: or until the doors get painted!!  They split in 2010 😦

Recipients from the Frost, O’Neill & Russell families – with judge, jury & sponsors!

Lots of entrants!

Hats are available at the cost price of €8 each from Bernard Lynch, Damian O’Neill or Carol Cashell.

Presentation over – time for a swim!

Trying out the hats.

Thanks again to everyone who entered and assisted.