The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Gordon swims into a place in history
GORDON Adair swam his way into west Kerry history on recently by becoming the first man to swim the 23.5 kilometres from Inch Strand to Dingle Harbour.
Gordon, who hails from Carrigtohill in Cork, had counted this challenge as an ambition from his time spent holidaying in south and west Kerry, and the completion of the gruelling seven hours and 36 minutes swim has shown that he’s well set for his upcoming circumnavigation of Jersey in September 2017.
“The swim around Jersey will be 41 miles in length, but getting through this swim from Inch to Dingle, my longest to date, shows that all aspects of my training are on the right track,” he said.
“I drove over to Inch for 5.10am, and then I swam out to my friends Ruth Deane and Gavin Murray, who had taken a boat across from Dingle. They kept me on a great track throughout.
“I had the best of treatment beforehand. I stayed with relations of Gavin’s the night before, they offered great hospitality, and they even had fresh mackerel ready for my breakfast at 3.00am – I couldn’t ask for fairer than that.”
Gordon’s task was made a little easier by some excellent timing and suitable weather. He timed his departure to make the most of an outgoing tide, while calm seas and relatively warm water proved helpful:
“Water temperature was 16 degrees for most of the trip, so cold was never an issue – in fact, a few observers said they hadn’t seen a day as suitable for swimming in a couple of years.
Our only concern was that we had to reach the entrance of Dingle harbour before the tide turned. But we got there, and then I got a nice push from the incoming tide.
“I got a few stings from jellyfish, and one was even at my neck at one point – but sure you’ll have that! It was the least of my worries.”
Upon reaching his destination, Gordon was welcomed by harbour master Nigel Collins, who had coffee and clothes waiting for him.
Mr Collins invited Gordon back on the following day to sign the harbour logbook, and the Corkman duly etched his name into west Kerry history. “It was a great honour to top everything off”, Gordon said. “I’ve really taken to my swimming over the last few years and this fantastic result supports everything I am doing.”