TAKING A DIP - CHRISTMAS DAY SWIMS IN KERRY

IT’S billed as the perfect Christmas ice breaker as hundreds of hardy souls brave the numbing Atlantic waters for some festive fun to raise money for charity. Caught somewhere between Storm Barbara and Conor, there was every chance this year’s swim could have fallen victim to the weather, but the south west breeds its own brand of hardiness and it was always going to take a perfect storm to knock this Christmas tradition off its pedestal.

From Ballybunion and Banna in the north, to Cahersiveen, Portmagee and Derrynane in the south, and Dingle to the west – Kerry’s coastal face was brimming with swimmers and well-wishers eager to part with encouragement as bathers made the plucky plunge. At Fenit they recorded one of the largest ever gatherings.

“This was the 65th consecutive swim in Fenit where a wonderful tradition was inaugurated in 1952,” said Billy Ryle. “Although the wet and windy weather did reduce the attendance, those who are good at estimating numbers reckon that about 450 swimmers made light of the conditions to enjoy a seasonal dip as a large crowd looked on from vantage points on shore,” he added.

Killarney’s lakes also got in on the act where at Dundag Beach in Muckross, a festive dip in aid of Aware was held. “It was really good and even though the weather was awful it didn’t seem to put anyone off as we had over 100 people going into the water which is the most we’ve had in eight years. So far we’ve counted over €5,000 for Aware. A big thanks to our lifeguards, Derek and Conor O’Leary, and all the volunteers and swimmers,” said Niki McCarthy.

Records will show that sunnier days greeted the annual swim, and while Sunday’s meet was one where dark clouds and rain took charge, the elements were merely a sideshow once the curled toes merged with the cold water. In some venues swimmers were rewarded for their efforts with a steaming hot boiler that served drinks at the opposite end of the temperature gauge and never before was a cup of tea or coffee greeted with such delight.

Michael Donnelly is involved with the Castlecove and Derrynane swims. “It went very well and we had over 50 people take part in Derrynane with many more watching on. It’s a great occasion as many people had returned home for the holidays. There was plenty of hot drinks and everyone enjoyed it. Then on St Stephen’s Day, Castlecove hosted its swim in aid of Crumlin and that was another huge event, plus the weather was kinder.”

In reality the Christmas Day ‘swim’ is defined by three categories: there’s the ‘all in’, which means a swimmer will wholeheartedly dive beneath the icy waters. Next up is the ‘knee, or waist high’ swimmer who is economical when it comes to shocks to the upper part of the anatomy. Lastly, there’s the ‘ankle high’ dipper and usually this person will flee the scene once the first, inch high foamy wave breaks!

But it’s the taking part that counts and each swimmer who helped raise money for charity can be proud of their efforts.

Photo by Domnick Walsh Photo by John Cleary. Kerry swimmers enjoyed the Cold wind and rain at the annual Christmas swim held on Banna Beach Swimmers ready to step into the Killarney Lakes at Dundag on Christmas morning Lauren O’Gready and Nessa McGarthy from Ardfert at the Christmas swim on Banna...

Photo by Domnick Walsh Banna Sea Rescue members after their Christmas Day swim.

Photo by John Cleary. Tralee Swimming Club members get into a tangle at Fenit on Christmas day swim, included in group Mags O’Sullivan, Bridget Moore, and Mary Fitzsimons, Noel Ryan, Tom Brosnan, Kevin Willians, Declan Crowe, and John Edwards.