Competitors take the plunge for annual city swim
A total of 279 competitors took the plunge for the annual Vibes & Scribes Lee Swim and swam through the heart of Cork city on Saturday, raising thousands of euro.
More than a third were first-time participants and there were six English Channel veterans.
The weather did hit spectator numbers though and there were times when it was almost as wet on the quays for the estimated 2,000 race viewers, as it was in the river, as squally showers swept across the city.
Shane Drumm, a member of the Aer Lingus Swimming Club in Dublin, was the first man over the finish line in the south channel at Lapp’s Quay, completing the 2km course in 22 minutes and 30 seconds.
He was followed by Owen O’Keeffe from Fermoy, Co Cork.
Maeve Linehan, of Mallow Swans Swimming Club, was the first woman over the line in a time of 25 minutes and 22 seconds.
The Denis Ollivere Trophy, for the person who swims nearest the world record for their age group, was presented to Rory Fitzgerald from Gilford, in England, and the Denis O’Brien Trophy, for people who swim in wet suits nearest the world record time, was presented to Ray McArdle.
Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy presented the awards afterwards and praised the Cork Masters Swimming Club for organising the event.
He also singled out the race’s youngest competitor young, Harry Cohen, for special mention.
Harry, who travelled with his family from London to take part in the event, celebrated his 12th birthday – the minimum race age requirement – just last week.
John Burleigh, from Scotland, one of several overseas visitors taking part, completed the race wearing a tartan swim cap as his wife Heather looked on from the quays wearing a matching cap.
Originally held in 1914, the Lee Swim was rejuvenated in 2005 for the city’s Capital of Culture celebrations.
It has established itself as one of the top open-water swimming events in Ireland.
The 2005 event attracted 110 swimmers and crowds in excess of 5,000.
All money raised goes to the Cork Lions Club who will donate the proceeds of the race to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.
