Diving in the deep end: Clarecastle marathon swimmer takes on the Shannon

Kate Brooks is swimming 200km from Lough Allen in Co Leitrim to Killaloe, Co Clare this month in memory of her late father - her most ambitious undertaking yet, Ellie O’Byrne writes.

Kate Brooks, aboard her aunt's barge

It's a beautiful calm May morning on Lough Allen, Co Leitrim. Birdsong fills the air at Spencer Harbour at the northern end of the lake.

Kate Brooks stands at the edge of the wooden jetty, gazing apprehensively at the lake’s calm, tea-brown waters. She’s clad in a wetsuit. Close by, her partner William Hunt is readying a kayak.