Mangerton loomed majestically before the 47 swimmers who gathered at the Muckross Lake, Killarney on Sunday 22nd August 2010 for what has now become the annual Muckross Lake swim challenge. The swim was timed and divided into 4 categories - 1 mile, 3k, 4k and 5k. The organisers from Dundag Masters swimming club were particularly delighted at the participation of 6 swimmers in the one mile category, in keeping with the aim of the Club to encourage safe inclusive open water swimming. The six were from locations as varied as Wales and Headford, Killarney! The 5k event attracted elite swimmers such as Ned Dennison who recently swam around Jersey Island, Oran Kane from Drogheda working in Killarney whom Dundag Masters have adopted as their own, John Edwards Tralee Bay Swimming Club, Nuala Moore round Ireland swimmer, Ozzie Schmidt from Cork and Imelda Lynch Channel Swimmer. Equally important to Dundag Masters were their participating members including Denise Coffey and Mary O’Connell, who completed the 5k category and Tim Horgan who as always marked a fine time in the 3k event.
Insurance was by Swim Ireland and the Killarney Lions Club. The Lions proved stalwart supporters of this worthy venture and over €1000 was raised for charity – divided between Inbhear Sceine Water Rescue, R.N.L.I. Valentia and Dingle. Sincere thanks from Dundag Masters to Inbher Sceine Search and Rescue and all kayakers for their excellent supervision. Thanks also to the Trustees of Muckross House, the OPW, the local boatmen for their co-operation, to Swim Ireland and the Lions Club, to all participants, spectators and stewards for making this a safe and enjoyable event. While the wind blew from the mountains during the swim, the sun also shone, and the swimmers marvelled at the beauty of Muckross Lake. The elite swimmers acknowledged it was a challenging event, but all participants appreciated the opportunity to enjoy a safe supervised swim in surroundings of such great natural beauty.
Muckross Lake Swim 2010
August 26th, 2010Report on Three Lakes 13.2 Km Swim Challenge 2009
February 2nd, 2010The idea of swimming the entire length of the Three Lakes of Killarney emerged during a group discussion between Roger Harty, Cathal O’Brien, Colm Horgan of Kenmare Tri and Marie Wade after a swim across Kenmare Bay in early September 2009. We knew that no one had ever undertaken this challenge which made it a very attractive prospect. It was clear that it would take a year of preparation to gain the necessary open water skills and strength to undertake the task. It was during this period that we decided to set up an open water swimming club in Killarney. The winter was spent training regularly in the Gleneagle Aquila Pool and in April we began to move out to the Lakes for Open Water Experience. We built on this by participating in a number swimming events hosted by Nuala Moore during the summer. The highlights of these events were the 5km Seven Hogs Swim around the Maharees and The Smerwick Harbour 6km “Massacre Swim” where we learned the skills to sight, to be aware of tides and currents and the consequences of not taking enough carbohydrate on long swims.
After some research we decided that the route of the swim should follow the course of the traditional boat trip from Lord Brandon’s Cottage, through the Upper Lake, Long Range, Muckross Lake and across Lough Leane finishing at Ross Castle - a total distance of 13.2 Km. There was a historical significance to this beautiful route and it seemed proper to keep with the tradition of tourism in Killarney. The boatmen who know the route warned us of the dangers of swimming the Long Range. They told us that it can be shallow during dry periods but also has deep layers of dangerous silt and is weedy in stretches. The trick was to get the right conditions, calm winds, sunshine and moderate water levels.
On Sunday 27th September 2009 the weather conditions were ideal. The unexpected Indian Summer highlighted the beauty of Killarney National Park as the five swimmers, Roger Harty, Paul Murphy, Derry Doyle, Paul Gosney and Cathal O’Brien along with the kayak safety crew , Pat Murphy, Kieran O’Reilly, Denis Brennan, Colm Brennan, Margaret Harty, Marie Wade, Bríd-Anne Cronin, Fiona O’Carroll set out from Gearhameen River at Lord Brandon’s Cottage at 10:30 am. Derry and Joan O’Mahony would meet us at Dinis with the main boat for the crossing of Lough Leane. The success of such long swims requires team effort. Undoubtedly the swim would not have succeeded without the expertise of the safety crew who monitored our progress and providing necessary carbohydrate.
The swim from Brandon to the Meeting of the Waters at Old Weir Bridge was challenging – it involved sections of river, low water with rocks and weeds – conditions familiar to experienced boatmen. A highlight of this section was the flight of two magnificent white-tailed eagles close to the Eagle’s Nest– an inspiring experience for swimmers and observers. Following support from onlookers at Dinis, the swim from Dinis Cottage to Bricin Bridge was a familiar experience after the season’s training. The flow of water under Bricin Bridge provided the impetus for the challenge ahead. The crossing of the Lower Lake from Bricin to Library Point tested the endurance of the swimmers as they swam into a headwind and encountered more choppy conditions. The greetings of tourists and supporters from boats were more than welcome. The final stage through Ross Bay was both demanding and exhilarating. Family, supporters and tourists welcomed the swimmers in turn and were happy to share in this unique appreciation of the beautiful Lakes of Killarney. Sincere thanks to the Trustees of Muckross House, the Park Rangers, Boatmen, Safety Crew and all who supported this first ever swim of the Three Lakes.