Take the plunge in aid of charity
WHILE most ordinary folk will wake on St Stephen’s morning feeling the full-effects of any Christmas excesses, other more hardy souls will gather at the New Pier in Wicklow town ready for an quick plunge into the icy waters.
Organised by Wicklow Swimming Club, the annual St Stephen’s Day Swim helps raise funds for local charities and dates back to 1985.
Initially the event took place on Christmas Day but was changed to St Stephen’s Day in 1986.
Wicklow Swimming Club has been in continuous existence since 1941, though there are historical records showing a swimming club in existence in the town as far back as 1859, and is, traditionally, a sea swimming club with open-sea races taking place from the June until after August.
However, one of the highlights of the season remains the St Stephen’s Day Swim, which always attracts a large crowd of both participants and onlookers.
Fancy dress is optional and so it is quite normal to see a couple of Santas and his helpers taking a dip as well.
As always, there will be a bucket collection on the day.
Last year some €700 was collected for Wicklow Day Care Centre.
This year’s event takes place at 12.45 p.m. at the New Pier, just after the Streets of Wicklow Run.