Annual CABHAIR Christmas Swim.

by Greg Mon Oct 11, 2010 11:44

there seems to be no end to this swim,I can remember it for at least the last 30 years and i'm not a republican supporter.But credit where its due to ye for keeping it going.

by Sharon. - Individual. Wed Oct 13, 2010 19:03

Hi Greg!
Thanks for your message - much appreciated!
This coming Christmas day will be the 34th consecutive CABHAIR Canal Swim , and some of those that are on the Organising Committee have been there since the first one.
Whether you're a republican supporter or not , you're very welcome to come along on the day - it's a good Cause , and great craic!
Thanks!
Sharon.

And the Flag is up......for the 34th on the 25th!

by Sharon. - Individual. Tue Dec 21, 2010 19:47

Hi !

At the time of writing , there are seven swimmers confirmed for this event , with another two 'possibilities' , and the local shops , pubs and off-licences etc have, between them , donated enough 'goodies' to fill a small van - go raibh míle maith agaibh as bhur gcúnamh, a Chairde !
(Thanks to M O'F for the pic)
Thanks,
Sharon.

Christmas Swim , 3rd Lough , Inchicore , 1979 : we probably (!) won't have the sunshine, but no matter !

by Stephen Cunningham Wed Dec 22, 2010 17:42

I wont be in Dublin this year but it is great to see this lunatic tradition still happening!

by Sharon. - Individual. Wed Dec 22, 2010 20:24

Hi Stephen !

Thanks for your message of support - much appreciated , and I'll be sure to pass it on, on Christmas Day . Wish I could argue with you re the swimmers being "lunatics" , but I can't ;-) !
Thanks!
Sharon.

'Robert Emmet Cumann' banner , 25th December 1979 Christmas Swim , Inchicore.

by Sharon. - Individual. Sun Dec 26, 2010 23:40

Hi !
Despite ice on the Grand Canal , and 12 inches of snow on the banks , the CABHAIR Swim went ahead , almost as planned - we moved 'site' , slightly , and were later than usual in starting.
A more detailed report , and about two dozen pics , can be seen via the 'Related Link' , below.
Thanks!
Sharon.

"If I sneak in , it mightn't be too bad..."

"S'no joke , this CABHAIR Swim..."

by wowed Mon Dec 27, 2010 02:40

Wow, I'm wowed by their dedication. I trust that their helpers got them back to normal body temperature soon after the dip.

by Sharon. - Individual. Mon Dec 27, 2010 10:59

Hi 'Wowed' !

Thank You for dropping in , and for the comment - appreciated !
All seven swimmers were a wee bit disoriented immediately after we took them out of the water but , after a few hot brandies/whiskies - or tea/coffee - and 20 minutes standing and/or sitting beside the fire , all recovered , with three of them wanting to dive in again !
However , the Organisers assured the three swimmers that they had 'earned their keep' and requested that they not enter the water again , as it was not necessary for them to do so , a second time. And, thankfully , they stayed put , on the snowy ground!
It was very rough just being 'on site' , as the conditions were freezing and treacherous underfoot , and I can only imagine what it must have been like in the water!
Thanks again for your comment.
Sharon.

A safety-rope being put in place - in the event , it wasn't needed , thankfully!

by lomansney Mon Dec 27, 2010 14:45

proud of the Republican Movement with such dedication ! well done, lads!!!!

by Sharon. - Individual. Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:50

Hi Lomansney!

Thanks for that - appreciated!
We know this thread is being read by Swim supporters and other interested parties in the Inchicore / Kilmainham area , and we want to say 'Thank You' to the pubs , off-licences , shops , garages etc in that area for all the 'goodies' which , as usual , they contributed - we had enough mince pies , all sort of drink , sweets , crisps etc etc for everyone!
It helped to 'make the day' -thanks.
Sharon.

"Below-freezing canal water ? Bah , humbug - lemme at it...!"

by Stephen Thu Jan 06, 2011 10:56

i thought it would have been postponed due to the snow and the ice and surprised to hear that it went ahead,but congrats to all involved for keeping to your word.
Thats rare in these politically corrupt times -well done cabhair and the swimmers.

by Sharon. - Individual. Fri Jan 07, 2011 20:30

Hi Stephen!
Thanks for the comment - appreciated.
It was the worst year , so far , weather-wise but , by all accounts , it's shaping-up to be the best year , financially , for the Organisers.
I think they are hoping for similar weather for the next one , too....
;-)
Thanks again !
Sharon.

by Caoimghín Mon Jan 10, 2011 23:10

Classy. Very classy. My favourite picture is the one with the kid apparently making a bonfire of himself in a chair. Definitely one for the Darwin awards. More like this, please!

by Sharon. - Individual. Tue Jan 11, 2011 00:37

Hi Caoimghín !
There is no such picture on this thread , Caoimghín - did Darwin not wear his glasses either , I wonder....?
Thanks anyway !
Sharon.