Brave Irish swimmers taking on tough Spanish challenge

Seventeen Irish swimmers this weekend tackle one of the most challenging open water challenges in Europe.

Only 24 competitors have managed to complete the 22.8km route between Illes Formigues and Illes Medes on the Spanish Costa Brava, and now some of Ireland’s most experienced open water swimmers are hoping to join that select group.

Well-known Cork swim coach, Eilis Burns, is among the Irish contingent swimming in the event. “This is my first big swim, I’m usually coaching so there’s a bit of banter about that,” she said. Burns admits that the last time she swam such a distance in open water was in the Cork to Cobh swim when she was just 13.