82-year-old 'honoured' by Man of the Year award for swimming around Ireland

Paddy Conaghan's Ducking and Driving Around Ireland adventure is raising funds for Accessible Counselling Tullamore, Lisheens House West Cork Suicide Prevention Service, RNLI, Mindspace Mayo and PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland. Photo: Siobhán Russell

An 82-year-old islander who swam around Ireland for charity has described his Man of the Year award by a worldwide open swimming association as an honour.

Paddy Conaghan began a sea-water swim adventure around the country in late 2021, stopping at numerous beaches and piers each day and sleeping in his customised van. Starting and finishing on his native Arainn Mhor island off the coast of Co. Donegal, he raised more than €104,000 for charity.