Swimming the dream: Owen navigates Cork river

Tired but triumphant, a Cork student fulfilled his childhood ambition by swimming the River Blackwater River in Co Cork from Fermoy to Youghal non-stop yesterday.

Owen O’Keefe, 20, from Fermoy, was met by rapturous applause from family members, friends, and local wellwishers as he came ashore at Nealon’s Quay near Youghal town centre shortly after 7pm.

Shivering in black trunks and a yellow swim cap, the young man declared himself “absolutely exhausted” as, smiling broadly, he accepted hugs and handshakes from his admiring audience.

Just over 12 hours earlier, Owen had commenced his epic journey at the Fermoy Rowing Club. The UCC ecology student was the first person to undertake the 60km challenge. He was introduced to swimming by his grandfather Tommy Baker, from Fermoy. He formed an ambition to swim the river during family trips to Youghal.

Last month, the swimmer circumnavigated 55km around Jersey Island. The same month, he was part of a six-person relay team that set an Irish record for swimming the English Channel. As a 16-year-old, he was the youngest Irishman to swim the channel, raising €14,000 for charity.

Throughout yesterday, crowds cheered him from vantage points along a route that passed under eight bridges. !

Owen O'Keefe finished his 60k swim in just over 12 hours. Big crowds greeted him at Youghal. Amazing swimming. Congrats

— Swim Ireland Masters (@SwimIrlMasters) August 16, 2013

Despite encountering some rough stretches of water, Owen found the task “a bit easier” than expected” due to “good weather and water conditions” He thanked all his supporters “most sincerely.”

Following a hot shower and a cuppa, Owen headed off for a long night’s sleep.

For an encore, he plans to compete in the swimming section of the Fermoy triathlon today.