Aran swim to shore up Temple Street unit

FINAL preparations are being made for a charity swim across an often treacherous stretch of sea between the Aran Islands and Doolin in Co Clare this Saturday.

A total of 13 swimmers, triathletes and lifeguards have undertaken months of intensive training ahead of the Aran Swim which will raise funds for a new national neurosurgery unit for Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

They will be closely monitored by members of the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard.

The swimmers are expected to leave Inis Oírr at 1.45pm, arriving at Doolin pier from 4.30pm onwards.

Event participant Aoife Cosgrove said: “Temple Street Children’s University Hospital provides care to sick or injured children from all over Ireland. However, the hospital’s dedicated team of carers highly relies on fundraising and the generosity of supporters nationwide. Currently, the hospital is raising funds for a new Neurosurgery unit which will be heavily dependent on fundraising events.”

Ms Cosgrave thanked the local communities in Inis Oírr and Doolin for their support.

Mayor of Clare Christy Curtin has wished the swimmers the best of luck and urged the public to support them.