SOCIAL CHRISTMAS SWIMS NOW A THING OF THE PAST IN NORTH CORK

“The insurance costs were on the rise each year and, coupled with administration prices, it made it impossible to stage the 2019 event. We were always safety conscious and proper procedures were always adhered to in our hosting.

“That’s sure to be disappointing for so many people. Every cent raised over the past 10 years went to a nominated charit,y with a total of €43,000 presented to various groups.

“A terrific atmosphere surrounded each event, a get together of friends, neighbours and people just wanting to get the New Year started off with a stroll, swim and support a charity”, said Eileen.

Thanks were extended to supporters and backers of the swim down through the years, the majority of whom came back each year to participate in the swim or offer sponsorship.

“We were indebted to the swimmers, the public that supported sponsorship cards or contributed to a bucket collection. And we were thankful to a number of pubs for their kind sponsorship to allow us add some seasonal refreshments and the presentation of t-shirts to participants”, said Eileen.

In November 2017, the chief organiser of the Newmarket Christmas morning swim in the Dalua River at the Island Wood, Mary Stack, announced that it was no longer feasible as the cost of insuring it would be completely prohibitive. The swim had not been insured previously. Mary explained at the time that, apart from an unnerving monetary cost of insurance, there would also be a minefield of terms and conditions to be put in place even if they could have raised the money.

Since it began in 1982, the Newmarket Christmas swim had grown into a firm seasonal favourite, with people turning up as much for the festive social side of it as for the swim itself.

Over the many years, Mary estimated it had raised over €200,000 for charities – but for raising festive spirits, it was priceless.

The only Christmas swims now left in North Cork are those of Mallow Search and Rescue Unit, in Mallow; and the Blackwater Sub Aqua Club in Fermoy.