Ireland’s open water swimming legend Steve Redmond has been named the elite sport’s man of the year.

Sheer grit, hard work and the unwavering support of the people of West Cork helped Steve Redmond achieve his Oceans Seven dream, says Eoin English

An Irish endurance swimmer has become the first person in the world to complete a gruelling seven-channel swim around the world.

Giant squid, stinging jellyfish and sharks — not to mention 15ft high swells — are among the challenges facing swimmer Steve Redmond when he attempts the final phase of his gruelling Ocean’s Seven Challenge in Japan next week.

Six down and one to go: Ireland’s Steve Redmond has just completed the sixth of seven monumental swims that will make him the most successful endurance swimmer of all time.

NEVER mind the 12ft waves, the dangerous tides and the dehydration — just watch out for the sharks.