Steve Redmond falls agonisingly short of record-breaking West Cork swim

Ballydehob man Steve Redmond, who has completed several major long-distance swims around the world, left Baltimore Pier at 6am on Friday

Steve set off from Baltimore at 6am this morning.

A former rugby player has made a huge splash for charity but has fallen agonisingly short of completing a record-breaking swim in West Cork — from Baltimore to Mizen Head via Fastnet Rock.

Steve Redmond, who has previously completed world record endurance swims including the unprecedented ‘seven oceans’ challenge, took on his latest feat at home off the coast of West Cork in aid of Marymount Hospice.

The Ballydehob man entered the water at 6am for a never-done-before 21km swim from Baltimore Pier to Fastnet Rock, followed by 17km on to Mizen Head. 

Triathlete and fellow open water swimmer Noel Browne — who helped Mr Redmond prepare for the challenge — said the swim had been planned for two years.

Fourteen hours into the mammoth swim, donations were up to almost €4,500, just short of their goal of €5,000.

“You need the right day and the right conditions,” Mr Browne said. “We’ve been tracking the conditions for this weekend for some time and today is the day.”

As Mr Redmond powered through much of journey, donations for Marymount poured in from the link on the Facebook page - Steve Redmond’s Ocean 7 Swim Challenge.

Fourteen hours into the mammoth swim, donations were up to almost €4,500, just short of their goal of €5,000.

“We’re giving back to Marymount and the incredible work they’ve done,” Mr Browne said.

“We just want to help the people who will never get the chance to come out here and do something like this.”

This is the tracker of Steve's swim at around 10pm, shortly before he brought the attempt to an end due to challenging tidal conditions.

As he entered his 14th hour of swimming, Mr Redmond was joined in the water by Nathan Timmins for a morale boost.

However, strong tidal conditions made the final section impossible despite the gallant efforts of all involved.

“Unfortunately, after 15 hours, it was decided to remove Steve from the water due to strong tidal conditions and cold water temperatures,” a statement from the crew said.

“Steve swam a huge distance today and was only a few kilometres short of reaching the destination of Mizen Head. Steve is on the boat and doing good.”