Kerry takes the icy polar plunge!

EVENTS such as the recent Polar Plunge, which took place in the wintry cold waters of Fenit beach on Saturday morning, are strange.

On one hand, the thought of running headlong into what is effectively a glacial ice bath is the furthest thing from the mind of any sane individual – throw in a charitable cause, such as Special Olympics Ireland however, and you will have yourself a crowd of eager swimmers.

This was the scene that greeted bemused locals early last weekend as hardy members of the public took part in the charity’s fundraising event.

Organisers behind the event, Special Olympics Munster say that they are looking to build on a successful swim as it is a critical fundraiser for people with intellectual disabilities in the province.

2018 is a massive year for Special Olympics in Munster - 387 athletes and 148 coaching and management volunteers from the region will head to Dublin for four days in June for the Special Olympics Ireland Games.

13 sports will feature in venues such as the National Indoor Arena, the National Aquatic Arena and Morton Stadium.

Munster’s representatives were selected from regional advancement events over the past 12 months – a lucky few will then go on to compete at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Pictured here are the hardy swimmers who took part in the Special Olympics Ireland’s fundraising ‘Polar Plunge’ in Fenit.

Maeve and Paddy Moran from Tralee pictured looking very festive as they took part in the ‘Polar Plunge’ at Fenit.

Brendan O’Connell, a Special Olympics Ireland World Games gold medallist holder pictured with Aisling O’Connell from Tralee .

The Kerry fundraiser for local athletes took place at Fenit Harbour for the first time in this year.