RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A SPLASH IN BRAY!

Swimmers and spectators turned out in their hundreds on Monday to celebrate the start of 2018 at the 35th annual Bray Charities sea swim.

On a windy and bright day over 200 registered swimmers took to the water to raise funds for the three charities chosen by Bray Lions club as beneficiaries of the 2018 swim.

The chosen charities for this year are Purple House Bray, Bray Poor Relief Fund, and Bray Lions Senior Citizens/Carers Fund.

Again this year as in previous years the swim proved to be a not only a financial success but also a great social event where people got the opportunity to meet and greet each other to welcome in the New Year. Many renewed acquaintances with people home from abroad for Christmas.

‘Bray Lions Club thank all the swimmers for participating and a special thanks to Deputy John Brady who participated again this year with his father in law and long-time participant Michael Duffy,’ said a spokesman. ‘We are indebted to many people who helped in planning and organising the swim and in particular to founder John McEvoy, wife Kathleen and their band of helpers,’ said Bray Lions Club president Karl O’Broin.

‘We are also grateful to the management and staff of the Esplanade Hotel for hosting this year’s swim.’ All funds raised go 100 per cent to the charities, with Lions Club members themselves covering any costs.

Kitty and Masie O’Beirne, Isabelle Cobbe, Emily Cobbe, Felix Burke and Cate Cobbe.

Hannah and Ali Coleman and Emer Hughes.

Conor O’Leary of Purple House Cancer Support with Pete Wederburn.

Gabriel Plougher, who led the swimmers into the water, has only missed one year in the swim’s history.

Sophie Robinson and Susan Galligan.

Victor Sypniewski.

Roan Kierans.

Michael Duffy and John Brady.

Denise Moylan.

Patricia Madden.

Rachel Casey, Bray Lions Young Ambassador.