RNLI Courtmacsherry Open Water Swim 2011
Inaugural swim a big success
(Write-up by Ray McArdle, Event Director)

The first annual Courtmacsherry swim took place on July 23rd on Blind Strand (Coolbawn) just outside Courtmacsherry.

Blind Strand

The swim had a 1.5K option (1 lap) or a 3K option (2 laps), with 35 of the 45 swimmers taking the longer option.  The swimmers had to exit the water at the end of lap 1 and run a short distance on the beach prior to starting lap 2.

Lynne and Ned after Lap 1

Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin was kind enough to be official starter of the swim.  Michael talked about the great location and how important the Lifeboat is to the community of Courtmacsherry. We swam past the area where, in 1915, the lifeboat rowed out to the stricken Lusitania 13 miles off the Old Head of Kinsale.   He thanked all the swimmers for their efforts and looked forward to taking part as a swimmer next year. Let’s hold him to that!

Michael Martin entertains the crowd

After the swim the RNLI had prepared warm welcoming soup and sandwiches for the swimmers (which they devoured). The event was won by Lynne Donnelly .  Ned Denison was the first ‘non wetsuit swimmer’. The winners were awarded their  prizes in the Lifeboat Inn after the race where Ray McArdle, event organiser went on to thank time keepers, Carol Cashell and Dave Maxwell, Stewards Dave Lucey and Eamon O’Shea, and for the assistance given by all the kayakers, boat owners for ensuring the safety of the swimmers. A big thank you to Kai Bergmann for taking all the excellent photos on the day. You can view more of his photos here.

A cheque of €1130 was handed to the RNLI representative, with Lisheen Mines and Trend Micro making significant contributions.

Courtmacsherry Lifeboat with support boats. Old Head of Kinsale in background

Swimmers before the start

More photos available here. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Swim Results