SIXTY HEARTY SOULS braved the freezing waters of Lough Macnean on Christmas Day for the 22nd annual charity swim.
In what was the biggest turnout ever all proceeds raised from the swim will go towards the Oisin McGrath Foundation, this year’s chosen charity.
One of the organisers of the swim Danielle Nolan from Blacklion explained that this year’s event was probably the best yet.
“It was really, really good despite the weather. It was pouring rain so we thought there wouldn’t be many there to watch it, but we had 60 swimmers and loads of people there watching. It’s the biggest turnout of swimmers we’ve ever had. We had 50 last year and that was previously our biggest so we’re delighted about that.”
She continued, “We would have lost a few people from last year, but it just goes to show you there’s new people out there willing to do it. They’ve come out and seen how good it is, how much fun it is and that it’s something a bit different for Christmas so hopefully they will be back and join us again next year.”
Among those in attendance on Christmas Day were members of the McGrath family, some of whom took part in the swim.
“Having that local connection everybody wanted to support it,” remarked Mrs Nolan, “especially around Christmas time people are so generous. It just goes to show you no matter how hard people are getting it they’re still willing to give money to such a worthy cause. We haven’t counted all the money and there’s still a bit to come in, but going by what people were handing in it seems to have been a very successful year.”
And was it as cold as it looked? “I didn’t get in myself, but my dad reckons it was the coldest ever, but he says that every year,” she joked.
“This was our 22nd year. I think when we started off I was six and it’s just so nice to see so many people still taking part. My aunt Imelda Oates I think is the only person who’s done all 22 years so I hope the tradition keeps going and growing and growing.”
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