I loved that rush but I’ve also seen final day break some fellas

When the mood takes me, I’ll often head back to the Atlantic Ocean in west Clare for a dip. Living so close to the sea gives me that luxury and I have any amount of options; the Pollock Holes in Kilkee, Cappa near Kilrush, White Strand in Doonbeg, Spanish Point in Miltown Malbay. Beautiful spots, every one of them.

When I’d hear the lads complaining about the cold, I’d joke with them that Sellafield across the way had warmed the place like bathwater.

Come down to our side of the country,” I’d say to them, “then ye’ll find out what iced water really feels like.