Perfect conditions for successful Channel Cup Swim
72 swimmers completed this year’s Channel Cup Swim on Saturday at Rosses Point.
Conditions were perfect with sunshine, no wind and the sea was flat, which all contributed to idyllic conditions for the brave swimmers who took on the challenge of swimming the channel.
The swimmers entered the water at Tommy’s Island close to the start of the promenade in Rosses Point and swam just over 1km to the finish line at the Harry Ewing pier at the RNLI station.
The first group of swimmers to swim the route were those taking part in the competitive swim event. Alannah Cunningham won the female under 35 cup, Shane O’Doherty won the male masters cup and Cecilia McGuinness won the female masters cup. Well done to everyone who swam the competitive event in very fast times. For all other swimmers, they entered the water in pods of 10 swimmers and enjoyed a leisure swim. The swim is special as
you can take in the beauty of Rosses Point from the sea. Many of the swimmers commented that they could smell the burgers cooking on the BBQ outside Austies as they swam passed. All swimmers got a well-deserved tasty burger after their swim, which was prepared by the dream burger team of Helen, Clive and Ken.
The John O’Donnell Memorial Cup was won by Zoe Scanlon this year. This cup is in memory of John who was one of the first
coxswain with the Sligo Bay RNLI and sadly passed away in August 2019.
This cup is presented to a person who embraces the ‘spirit of the swim’ and takes on the challenge of participating in the Channel Cup Swim.
Zoe was nominated by her sister, Vanessa, who praised her sister’s determination and commitment to swimming. She said she is in awe of what her sister has achieved in a very short time. Well done, Zoe.
There were many kayaks and boats on the water who supported the swimmers as they made their way along the route. Families and friends were out to view and support along the promenade with many of them walking with the swimmers as they made their way along the route in the sunshine. The event was captured brilliantly by Emily Dunne. Photos of the event can be found on the Channel Cup Swim Facebook page.
The event, which is in aid of the RNLI, sold out in August within a few hours. It was originally due to take place on Saturday, September 10, but was rescheduled following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who was patron of the RNLI for over 70 years. As a mark of respect, all fundraising activities for the RNLI were postponed for a period.
The organisers were delighted that so many of the entered swimmers were able to make
the swim two weeks later than originally planned. 72 swimmers completed the swim this year. The organising committee would like to thank all the swimmers for supporting the swim. The event is always in aid of the RNLI who provide an invaluable service to the Sligo bay area and beyond. As a community, we are very lucky to have this service close by and appreciate the work of the many volunteers and members of the RNLI. Roll on 2023!