Christmas Day dip at Muckross... there’s nothing like it

IN just eight years €45,000 has been raised for the charity Aware which is all thanks to the people who take a dip at Dundag Beach in Muckross every Christmas morning. This year will be the ninth staging of the swim and thanks to the organisational endeavour of Niki McCarthy, the event is going from strength to strength.

In spite of the chilly temperatures there is no better way to work up an appetite than by having a light swim on a crisp December morning and the Killarney dip is now a popular meeting point where some well-deserved refreshments will also be laid on for hardy swimmers. There is plenty of parking available and if people want to dress up in the weird and wonderful attire that befits the season, they’re more than welcome as it’s all a bit of fun.

“We’re delighted to have raised this much money in just 8 years to be honest. Last year we had over 100 swimmers and people like to turn up and donate money for what is a great cause,” said Niki.

If people prefer they can get a sponsorship pack beforehand, from Niki, or they can simply turn up on the day and make a donation. If you’re interested in taking part in this year’s Christmas dip then drop Niki a line on Facebook or by email as it makes things that bit easier to organise once she has an idea of how many people will be attending. For more information on how you can register for the swim, or find out more about a sponsorship pack, email Niki at: nikimcmoney@ gmail.com. You can also find out more about the Killarney Christmas Day Dip on Facebook.

Mary Spillane with her son Dylan from Kilgarvan selecting fresh fruit and veg from Mike Horan at Horan’s Fruit and Veg, Central Point Shopping Centre, Park Road, Killarney.

Kyle Heffernan, Aaron Jones and Mike Moran getting into the Christmas Spirit at Tim Jones Family Butchers, Central Point Shopping Centre, Park Road, Killarney.