Ice Breakers turn record breakers
More than 150 swimmers registered and dozens more turned out to take part in the 2025 Cavan Ice Breakers' Christmas morning swim at Annagh Lake.
It was one of a number of festive swims across the county, with the Celt photographers also getting along to very well attended dips in Virginia and Bailieborough. The swimmers took advantage of the mild weather - with air temperatures of comparatively balmy 8°C, and water temperatures of 4°C, conditions were ideal for the festive plunge.
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Massive crowd assembles for the 56th Annual Cavan Icebreakers Christmas Morning swim at Annagh Lake.Picture: Sean McMahon.Image 2 of 12
Scores of hardy souls braved the cold on Christmas morning and surged into Annagh lake for the Annual Cavan Icebreakers Swim.Image 3 of 12
Taking the plunge at Annagh Lake on Christmas morning.Pictures: Sean McMahon.Image 4 of 12
Cavan Icebreakers Christmas morning swim committeeL-R: - Brendan Gilhooley, Tom Coyle, Clare Coyle, Margaret Gorman Quinn, Eddie Quinn, Chairman Cavan Ice Breakers Committee; John Gorman and Paul McKiernan.Pictures: Sean McMahon.Image 5 of 12
Pamela Busschots all set for the Christmas morning swim at Annagh Lake.Picture: Sean McMahon.Image 6 of 12
Most consecutive swimsDermot McDermott from Poles receiving his certificate recognizing the fact that he recorded his 36th consecutive swim on Christmas Day. Margaret Gorman Quinn and Clare Coyle made the presentation.Pictures: Sean McMahon.Image 7 of 12
Robert Jonston, Caroline Cooney and Wilson Johnston.Image 8 of 12
Ciaran and Vennela Fitzpatrick and Famar Fitzpatrick.Image 9 of 12
Youngest swimmersDarragh Lyons and Cara McConnell receiving their trophies from Margaret Gorman Quinn and Clare Coyle.Pictures: Sean McMahon.Image 10 of 12
Patrick Tierney enjoying the atmosphere at the Christmas day swim event with Grace and Amy.Pictures: Sean McMahon.Image 11 of 12
Orla, John and Tara Hegarty.Image 12 of 12
Charles Fitzsimons, Cavan County Civil Defence and Seamus Brady as Santa Claus.Pictures: Sean McMahon.For the Ice Breakers crew at Annagh, this was the 56th annual swim, and the event took place under a new committee this year.
A total of €1,000 was raised on the day for Friends of Oncology Cavan, and Cavan Ice Breakers would like to thank everyone who donated so generously.
Trophies were presented to the youngest participants, Carla and Daire, both aged four. A special presentation was also made to Dermot McDermott in recognition of his remarkable achievement of 36 consecutive Christmas Day swims.
Cavan Civil Defence were on hand throughout to ensure everyone’s safety, while the ‘Nifty Fifty’ Santa Bikers made their customary and much-welcomed appearance.
The organisers extend thanks to Paul Cox for recording the swim live so that those unable to attend could still enjoy the occasion.
“Cavan Ice Breakers wish to thank everyone who helped organise the event and contributed to making it such a great success,” said a committee spokesperson.