Cavan Icebreakers report large turnout for Christmas swim

Cavan Icebreakers Swimming Club witnessed one of the largest turnouts in recent years for their 45th annual Christmas morning swim. Over 80 men, woman, boys and girls took to the waters at Annagh Lake, Butlersbridge shortly after 11.30am. The unusual good weather brought the crowds out for the occasion. It was a welcome change following three consecutive years of battling the elements. The founder of the swim, Sean Walsh, completed his 45th consecutive swim, which is a national freshwater record and the club are very proud of the fact. Sean's was not the only record to be recognised as some family and individual records were also achieved. Jacinta Dunleavy completed her 29th swim, while the Anderson girls Michelle, Gayle and Elaine have notched up 25 in-a-row and Margaret Quinn - 16. In the men's section Paddy O'Reilly is closest to Sean in terms of swims completed on 40; followed by Tony McDonald and Jim Gilhooley, both on 37; Paddy Little, 25; Dermot McDermott, 23; Edward Quinn, 20 and the Gurhy brothers John, Brian and Finbar, also on 20; Niall Gurhy, 18 and Willie Armstrong, 15. Johnny O'Hanlon, the former editor of The Anglo-Celt, got the proceedings under way, following in his father Edward's footsteps who got the inaugural swim started in 1968. The youngest boy to take part was James Coyle, aged six, and the youngest girl was Aimee Quinn, Cavan, aged eight. Since the swim started, a total of 2,141 swimmers have taken the plunge on Christmas Day. To add to the occasion, the Nifty Fifty Santa Bikers also put in an appearance, while local piper Sean Kelly kept the large attendance entertained with some lively festive tunes. Also present were Cavan Town Mayor, Des Cullen; Cllrs Sean McKiernan and Madeleine Argue; Cavan Civil Defence and members of Cavan Gardaí. A very successful raffle was also held. Over the years, this event has raised hundreds of thousands of euros for various charities around the county. Check out this video of the event: