Galway stop for ‘pier-less’ pensioner

An 80-year-old man – who has taken to the coastal waters around Ireland for charity – stopped off at Oranmore over the weekend ducking into the sea at Renville.

Paddy Conaghan from Árainn Mhór in Donegal is travelling around Ireland and swimming at piers along the coastline to raise much needed funds for a walk-in counselling service known as ‘Gemma’s Legacy of Hope.’

The Donegal man started his journey in the North-West before taking in Sligo, Mayo and then Galway last week where he linked up with Silver Fins Swim Club as well as Atlantic Masters in Renville. He visits three to four piers every day and hopes to complete the challenge by February.

“I love a challenge, and this is a great challenge for me” he said. “It’s for a wonderful charity and it’s lovely to visit so many great places across the Island including Oranmore here in Galway.”

Paddy trained for the challenge all summer swimming in the sea, going to the gym and sitting in a barrel of iced water to prepare himself for the cold waters. He is travelling around the country in his own van which is kitted out with a mattress, cooker, water and generator.

Bernie Rogers, PRO of Atlantic Masters said: “it was just brilliant to have Paddy here as he continues to raise money for such a great cause.”

Fergal Madden, one of the founding members of Atlantic Masters and Chairperson of the club said “what Paddy is doing is just great as it’s a tough time for charities out there and people with mental health issues, etc.”

To donate just go to Paddy’s GoFundMe page ‘Ducking and Driving for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope’.