Swimmers get a glimpse of Ireland of old

THE 150 competitors taking part in the Wold Down Syndrome Swimming Championships took a break from the pool yesterday to dive into the Ireland of the past.

The swimmers from 15 countries were guests of Shannon Development at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

The park is a living museum, recreating life in rural and urban Ireland over 150 years ago.

The Down Syndrome swimmers were able to step back in time and watch farmers tending animals and churning milk.

Many were fascinated by the Bean an Tí baking bread over an open fire in time-honoured tradition.

During the visit to the castle, they got a glimpse of mediaeval times and a demonstration of combat by the Society of Knights from Co Limerick.

John Ruddle, chief executive of Shannon Heritage, which runs the Bunratty said: “We wanted to give the athletes, their families and the volunteers involved in running the championships a treasured memory of a great time at Bunratty. It is a big undertaking to organise an event of this scale, but we wanted to give everybody a day to remember.”

The international teams tried their hand at welly throwing, tug of war and poc fada.

The visit was rounded off with a session of Irish music, song and dancing.

Today it’s back to the serious business at the 50m pool at the University of Limerick Arena when the first medals will be awarded.