Entry form completion – some guidance.

Posted on June 5, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

As the entries come in for the RNLI Myrtleville-Church Bay swim on July 4, 2015, it’s noticeable that some swimmers either don’t understand the seriousness of the qualifying swim requirements or are simply trying to trade on past glories. A sample of the – failed – submissions under qualifying swims are as follows:

Qualifying Swims:

20ft paddle in the kids pool in Leisure World May 2013
Plenty
Would you like to see my world rankings for 1500m… will that count 🙂
10 laps of San Francisco Bay (I swear !!)
Managed it last year
Lots (this from the man who in 2014 said: Just lots, more than you can imagine)
Swam in the pool at Source with Bernard

Of course, none of these attempted entries passed scrutiny. Lads (and Lassies – ye’re no better) – there’ll be no living in the past now. The Myrtleville Is Not A Club Annual Best Swim In The World Entry Validation Sub-Committee (or MINACABSITWEVSC for short) won’t stand for this kind of flippancy and blatant flouting of the rules.

Either do the required qualifying swims – in 2015, mind – or entries just won’t be accepted. ‘Tis a disappointment, really. I’d expect it from the fella below, but the rest of ye? Sure, you can’t be doin’ that lads.

Proper entries to be submitted here!

Is it Bulman or Bullman?

Posted on June 2, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

Sometimes trying to piece together what happened at swims from the pictures taken, can get a little confusing. I thought the spelling was Bulman, but then wasn’t sure if it was Bullman or Bull Man. Siobhan Russell did her usual fantastic job and by all accounts, it was a great event. That wasn’t where my problems lay – it was in the extra pictures I found referring to bulls and swims. Anyway, I worked out the order and what was happening in the pictures – I think.

Firstly, Finbarr reconfirmed his Myrtlevillian credentials and introduced his family.

Open water, sea swimming in Cork, Ireland.

Finbarr and his gang from Myrtleville. Myrtlevillians Abú, says the Big Man.

From comments on the web, it seems Ned Denison was being unusually lenient in allowing last-minute entrants. The arrival of a large group of same was spotted by Finbarr.

It’s fair to say that there was some concern on the faces of other swimmers when they realised that the new group was being allowed to enter.

Representations were made to Ned by Gary and Landy, but Ned felt he couldn’t turn down the late-comers – although he was a bit dubious about it as he eyed them up.

It’s from here on that the pictures and Bulman vs. Bullman confusion caught me out. I think the shot of the start below confirms the late entrants just took over and it’s Bullman and not Bulman. That’s definitely Rob Bohane leading out – sure, who else?

Safety cover from Tom was superb as always – although it’s a different boat to usual. Lots of drafting going on too.

Hope I pieced this together properly. Here’s a few more nice shots from the day – in no particular order.

Secret training camps in North Korea-Cork

Posted on May 28, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

Disturbing rumours have reached Myrtleville of the emergence of a shadowy cult practicing black arts in “freshwater” camps. Original correspondence indicated the location could be North Korea, but we now believe it is more likely to be North Cork.

The motives of the organisers and active recruiters for the camps is unclear, but their targeting of Myrtleville to seek recruits is clearly due to our international fame as the best swim location in the world (unimpeachable source: B. Lynch). Their motives, however, must certainly contain some sadistic tendencies. Sadism is really the only explanation for why anyone would willingly exchange this…..

Myrtleville – where God intended people to swim.

For this…..

North Korea/Cork – where God knows why anyone would swim.

For the public good, trusted envoys were dispatched to the secret location to attempt to capture images of the unimaginable activities being engaged in and to warn unsuspecting swimmers from being lured to the dark side.

Undercover agent at the secret location. Practically invisible.

Clear images were difficult to procure as the subjects took flight, splashing wildly to avoid the lens.

A particularly fast disciple who rumours indicate was returning to the scene for the first time in a long period of time. Other disciples referred to him as "Fish".

A particularly fast disciple escapes the attentions of our intrepid investigators. Referred to as “Fish”, rumours indicate he was returning to the scene after a protracted absence.

One of the ringleaders was snapped from a distance. The Klan-esque hooded cloak was a particularly disturbing image noted at the camp. Referred to by disciples as DonCon, camp followers say he is rarely seen without his bucket.

The most disturbing image from the reconnaissance was of the cruel treatment meted out to our own unsuspecting Anne Sheehy. Anne was tricked into attending the camp by formerly trusted acquaintances who had been brainwashed by the cult. She was pilloried for wearing The Hat and forced to do underwater jumping jacks in the black, salt-free substance known in the camp terminology as “fresh water”.So – a warning. Be careful who you listen to and trust when you’re at the beach. They’re amongst us – plotting, planning, trying to cull unsuspecting swimmers and lure them to the camps to feed their numbers. They’re scheming up competing events to our own “world’s greatest swim” (source, again, B. Lynch) – the RNLI swim. They’ll use seemingly innocuous words like “fresh” water to lure you in – their plausible patter is designed to make you forget that “freshwater” is, like “pool”, a synonym for “THE GATES OF HELL!!!!!” Don’t be fooled.

Be Warned! Be Vigilant! Together, we can defeat this evil cult. Viva Myrtleville!!

Last May Monday

Posted on May 26, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

Sea temp was down at 11c, which is a bit cooler than the same night last year. In May 2014, we had gone past 12c and were heading for 13c and over.

Still, it didn’t stop over forty swimmers last night, with lots of smiles. It might be slightly chilly, but it’s still great. Our fantastic Siobhan Russell was down again for the pictures. Looking forward to seeing her recovered and back in the sea very soon.

I know it’s unfair to pick on people on this site and I really shouldn’t do it. Having said that – Gary, seriously, have you even taken to drawing lines on the sand to ensure you get just the right stance width? All of the Orcas in the picture – excellent work. Gary, though?

Lots of the triathletes are getting their OW training done – chilly or not – as their season really kicks off. I have to mention the new Orca Open Water suits again – great visibility.

The McCarthy brothers weren’t just getting a swim in, but having a healthy big vs small brother race.

Ronan’s just smiling as younger brother Conor insists he won.

James Makin – looking just a tad embarrassed as Agnieszka Swiatkowska practices her swooning!

Eleanor Fennessy and Rory Coughlan – becoming regulars.

Keep swimming & Swim Safe 🙂

Paddling in the Park.

Posted on May 25, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

Finbarr Hedderman’s Paddle in the Park went off really well on Friday night. Great idea to make use of the river closer in to the city.

Don’t forget the next event – the Bulman swim, this Saturday, May 30th. Click here for entry details. It’s another qualifying swim for the RNLI Myrtleville-Church Bay swim on July 4th!

Opem water, sea swimming in Cork, Ireland.

Marie Watson follows up her first Fountaintstown-Myrtleville 2km with an evening at the Paddle in the Park.

Kieran Murphy and Audrey Burkley – always so dour: never a smile out of them.

The Hat makes people smile! Brenda Sisk at the Paddle in the Park.

Smiles all round on Friday night. Well, nearly….

Angela – such an inscrutable face. So hard to tell what might she be thinking. (Back off now, Gordon, now, now….)

On Saturday, Gary Frost had great plans and organised a 2km or 4km swim. Really, he organised everything and rounded up the crowds. Didn’t quite go to plan.

Gary’s crowds…..not even a Gary.

It could be that he got lost. Some places are very hard to find. Gary recently drove all over Crosshaven without seeing this small little place.

Get entered for The Bulman swim.

Qualifying swims!

Posted on May 19, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

Saturday morning’s swim was fantastic, with newcomers, visitors from Dublin and Australia and several returnees after Winter breaks.

Ruth Deane emerges from hibernation, joining Ann Jordan on her first visit to Myrtleville and Diane Neaves who just isn’t going to let the cold win – going for the wetsuit and cardi look.

A group of fourteen went across to Fountainstown by car and swam back. Several were doing this trip for the first time and more experienced swimmers went along behind them to encourage and support. Just how it should be done. I happened to be standing in the water as Marie Watson touched the beach in Myrtleville and her smile was great to see. It is an achievement and – of course – qualifies you to enter for the RNLI swim on July 4, so get entered! Well done to all.

Are we there yet, are we there yet? Setting off to Fountainstown.

Joshua Wheeler made contact from Melbourne in April to say he was going to be visiting his in-laws in Myrtleville and would like a swim with the group. Thanks to Anders Inglesten who loaned him a wetsuit. Joshua might have been cursing Anders as he put his head in the water for the first time, though. A bit chillier than the current Melbourne temp he said (or “bloody freezing” for short).

Myrtleville local, Jerry, with son in-law Joshua Wheeler

It really was a case of spot the personalities around the beach on Saturday.

Look, there’s Mike Harris, oh and Gwen Burchell and look, look – that’s yer man Lynch. Who’s that other guy with the cup, though?

OK, OK, Fergal Somerville – the Chanimal – was down from Dublin too. If you know anyone in Dublin thinking of doing long swims, point them towards Fergal’s new support initiative here for Dublin Distance Dippers. Keep swimming and always Swim Safe.

Bermuda Hat & Hidey Hat.

Posted on May 15, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

The Hat is still getting around. I think it’s supposed to be a Panama Hat and Bermuda Shorts, but this one is a Bermuda Hat. Modelled by Bonnie Schwartz, this is a verifiable picture of The Hat on tour in Bermuda via NY City. Getting this picture was a welcome relief after the terrible Sean Foley Silicon Valley (Youghal) Fraud.

Bonnie Schwartz in Bermuda.

Bonnie will be back in Myrtleville on August 21st for her first “Married Lady Swim”, just two days after her wedding. She’s bringing a group of US swimmers with her, so mark that one in your diaries for an early swim that Friday morning.

It’s great to see people proudly wearing The Hat. Even those who may not publicly be known for being vocal supporters are still spotted quietly showing their true colours.

The Hat worn on the inside. Is this a “keep your friends close but your enemies closer” Godfather vibe, or is she just coming out as a Myrtlevillian? Looks good on you, Angela!

Viva The Hat 🙂

Darkness into Light Swim 2015

Posted on May 11, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

Some of us, unfortunately, had to miss this fantastic event for very good reasons, but that doesn’t stop certain people having a quick swipe at us in their recap of the swim (yes, Carol, I’m talking about you…).

I was in a shop in Cobh at 8am and was delighted to hear on the radio that the swim was mentioned and had clearly caught public attention. Very well done to all. A great choice of location, Angela and lovely moves in that last picture below too 🙂

FROM CAROL CASHELL:

“An early start didn’t deter 50 swimmers for taking part in the first Darkness into Light Swim (a twist on the Darkness into Light walk/runs), all for Pieta House.

We met at Myrtleville from 4:30am, signed in to get a number on our hands (safety reasons for counting in/out), had a quick safety briefing at 4:55am and were in the water by 5:00am. Rule was to swim towards Fennels Bay (on left, just before Dutchman Rock), and no one to stay in more than 30mins (so we can count everyone out). With Rob Bohane and Kevin Murphy as chief land crew, everything went to plan. We had swimmers strategically placed amongst the groups, watching, encouraging, laughing!. Riana took some super shots of the morning, and I’ve seen plenty more appear on social media taken from mobile phones etc. We were so lucky with the weather, very slight swell in the water, sea temp 10deg, air temp 8deg, and the clouds cleared to see a wonderful sunrise from behind Roches Point. With plenty of money raised for Pieta House, thanks to everyone who turned up to swim, help, take photos & bake! It was definitely one not to have missed.”

Riana Parsons took some great shots of the swim. I’ve put all of them in a Google+ folder and it’s shared here. Here’s a sample:

RNLI Myrtleville – Church Bay swim 2015: 8 weeks to go!

Posted on May 9, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

The RNLI Myrtleville to Church Bay (entrance to Cork Harbour) 2km open water sea swim takes place on Saturday 4th July at 6.00pm on an incoming tide. Entry fee is €15, payable on the evening and donated to Crosshaven RNLI, but you must have submitted your entry online.

All participants must be able to verify a minimum of one 1,500m open water swim in 2015. We strongly recommend you have done a longer distance – or several 1,500m swims. This is a fantastic, but challenging swim and not to be attempted without proper preparation.

If you want to practice, come to Myrtleville any Monday night at 6pm or Saturdays at 08.15. For information, email us – myrtlevilleswimmers@gmail.com, tweet @MyrtlevilleS or follow this website for updates.

Start of the first swim in 2010.

Darkness into Light SWIM – May 9th, 2015

Posted on May 5, 2015 by myrtlevilleswimmers

From Carol Cashell and Angela Harris:

To coincide with the Pieta House Darkness into Light Events, (See their page here) we are holding a Darkness into Light Swim at Myrtleville (as an alternative to the 80 runs being planned that morning!).

Meet by 4:45am & Swim at 5:00am on Sat 9^th May (Twilight is at 05:10, Sunrise is at 05:50).

Some Notes on the Swim:

There will be a donation Bucket for contributions to Pieta House.
Meet by 4:45am
Safety Briefing at 4:55am (and we will number everyone’s hands for check-in/check-out)
TITW (Toes in the Water!) by 5:00am
Swim a Max of 30mins (for safety reasons, please adhere). Whatever your speed, turn back after 10-15mins. 5mins is also an acceptable swim time.
DO NOT swim on your own, swim in 2s/3s, stick with your swim buddy so you can talk to them to check in with each other, don’t swim in huge groups, you’d be calling names all the time and your voices will travel over the water!. There will be less stop/starting with smaller groups.
Respect the time of day, arrive quietly, avoid shouting, slamming doors etc, common sense really, just be mindful of the sleeping residents.
We will meet at the bottom of the steps at 4:45, away for the houses to make sure we are all glowing.
As the colour of Pieta House is yellow, if you have a yellow hat, or a hat with yellow in it, wear it, it’ll be our nod to the Cause.
Remember it’s only May, expect the air to be cool at that hour. Have the layers of clothes ready for after the swim, and of course the Hot Flask for a cuppa!.
Bring a Flash light, you’d be surprised what you can’t find in the dark in the car!
After you get changed, and have your cuppa, and are wrapped up warm, enjoy the sunrise 🙂

As this is a night swim (to start), swimmers must have glow sticks on their hats and togs/wetsuits.

There is a link below to show you what the disposable single use glow sticks are like. These are an ideal alternative to the pricier reusable light (but that does have hundreds of hours light on it). It’s worth it to buy a batch of the snap&glow sticks if you will be doing more night swims over the next year or so!

There are cheap jewellery disposable versions in EuroGiant/Dealz etc, but these are not very bright out at sea and they tend to not stay in place too easily (they are not really made for sea swimming!). These should only be used as fun top-ups to the better stronger glow sticks. Plan ahead, do some research online, pair up with someone to share the costs of buying the glow sticks (share shipping costs etc).

Check these out on Amazon as an example of what you are looking for, for one time use, glow sticks. There is also an Irish Website that sells them.

The reusable night lights for your goggle straps are Called ‘Guardian Adventure lights’ (they can be bought in Centra Crosshaven or CH Marine, Cork). If you want to buy them online, just Click!

Finally, I shouldn’t have to remind you, but as always, this swim is weather dependent :-

And Really this is a Finally, If anyone is willing to help out and stay on the beach while we swim and count us in/out, we’d love to have you, and also, anyone willing to kayak, we’d love to have you there too.. We’ll feed you coffee and cake (well, maybe not cake at 5am, but the offer stands!).

Myrtleville Swimmers

Open Water – Sea Swimming in Cork, Ireland

Tag Archives: Sea swimming – Cork