Record bid for cross channel swim

Jim Morahan

The gritty Dublin civil servant aims to become the first person to cross the 56-mile channel from Holyhead to Dublin after setting off yesterday morning at 1am.

During his record bid expected to take around 45 hours he will be swimming for two days and two nights.

The gruelling solo effort is being undertaken to raise money for the Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People, in Dublin.

Documentary maker Brendan O'Sullivan, who is recording the attempt, was confident Féilim would succeed.

"It is a very long way to go, but Féilim is in very good shape and determined to make it," he said.

Féilim is not using either fins or a wet suit. He aims to complete the bid wearing regulation togs, swim hat and goggles.

A 30-foot boat accompanies the swimmer on his journey in case he gets into difficulty. He is not allowed to touch the vessel.

Féilim has not attempted such a distance previously, although he swam the English Channel in 1998, taking 24 hours.

He also completed two 10-mile challenges last weekend.