Roonagh Pier to Clare Island swim in aid of cancer research
The celebrated sponsored swim from Roonagh Pier to Clare Island - a distance of about 4 miles depending on tidal conditions, took place on Sunday the 1st September in aid of The Marie Keating Foundation which funds cancer research and awareness projects.

Seventeen brave souls, both male and female, started the swim with ten tired, cold and sore (but elated) individuals (including two women) finishing the ordeal.

The first time the swim was organised was some 20 years ago, and on that occasion there was one finisher, Jemma Gavin; the next time there were two finishers, one of whom was the late Liam Ball, former manager of Castlebar Swimming Pool, who himself fell victim to cancer subsequently. The second finisher that year was Padraic Kenny, former coach of Castlebar Swimming club.

Those that completed the swim this year were Pat Tuohy, Declan Davoran, Madeline Carney, Adrian McCaffrey, Christina Murray, Peter Tuohy, Ciaran Garrick, Brian McCaffrey all from Castlebar and David McNieve and Kevin McHugh from Claremorris. This is the highest number that have ever finished the swim in one year.

The rest of the starters were Ann Tuohy, James Tuohy, Bernie Tuohy, Ivan Dixon & Dara Dever and Trevor Rennick from Castlebar and Liam Maxwell from Louisburgh who are also to be highly commended for their brave effort.

Those wishing to still contribute to the cause or sponsor these worthy sports people can visit http://www.mariekeating.com/donation.htm for further details.

The starting group, en habille! (and some of their supporters) prior to the Roonangh to Clare Island swim.

The starting group - With loads of Vaseline to protect against the cold

All ready for off

The Huddle - Jays ya need psyching up for this kind of a swim

They're off....... Accompanied by escorting flotilla

Nearly there - The approach to Clare Island Harbor

Getting ready to brave the freezing water

Pat Touhy makes landfall on Clare Island- Well Done!

Madeline Carney, Jemma Gavin and Christina Murray. The Only 3 women who have ever completed the swim

Declan Davoren completes the course!