They came in all shapes, sizes – young and seasoned – braving the jellyfish and the Atlantic chill to take on one of the biggest challenges in the country….swimming Galway Bay.
All 130 hardy participants had set themselves this personal challenge of swimming from Aughinish in Co. Clare to Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill – a distance of 10.5km as the crow flies but in reality closer to 13km with currents, wind and tidal ranges. The annual Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim also raised a sizeable amount for Cancer Care West – and each swimmer had a story of personal triumph to tell.
Noel Carrick made the crossing at the age of 53, in a family relay with son Leon (25) and daughter Natasha (20) – achieving a goal they set after been bitten by the triathlon bug.
Frances’ husband Brian, daughter Fiona and brother-in-law Shane Thornton
Jenny Lambert, Brian Carroll, Cillian and Alex, Kinvara, at The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Seanie and Pauline Murphy, Barna, at The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Niamh Johnston from Salthill is helped to the finish line by Paddy McNamara after completing the round trip of nearly eight hours from Blackrock to Aughinish, Clare and back at The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
The Silver Sharks relay team of Mark Gantly, Colm O’Donnellan, Hugh O’Donnellan and Paddy Quinlan after completing The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Colm O’Donnellan of the SIlver Sharks relay team is greeted by Brian Thornton, brother of Frances, after completing The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Hilda, Hazel and Maeve Coll celebrate at the finish line after completing The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Nicola Lyons, Orlaith O’Brien, Marlou Kennedy and Eliza Mc Laughlin at the finish line after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Jim, Clare and John Cloonan with Veronica McDaid from Athenry at The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Billy O’Connor, Barna is greeted by Fiona Thornton (sister of Frances) after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Jackie Lillis, Salthill and Ann Heskin, Tuam after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
Natasha, Noel and Leon Carrick after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West. Photo: Brian Harding.
The Renmore man was bitten by something altogether less appealing on Saturday – he sustained a jellyfish sting to the face within ten minutes of setting off.
“It wasn’t a Lion’s Mane jellyfish – just the normal one – I kept going,” he laughed.
“But it was tough – really tough – everyone said it was the toughest conditions in ten years.
“One minute you’d be swimming and be able to see the boat and the next you wouldn’t be able to see it.”
Niamh Johnston loved it so much that she did it twice – the former lifeguard also swam a return leg across the bay for good measure!
There were 69 solo swimmers and 65 relay swimmers – all taking part in teams of two, three and four swimmers. The Carricks have so far raised €1,500 for their combined efforts – and enjoyed every minute!
“They want to go back next year and do the full thing themselves. It was tough but there was a great atmosphere and it was very emotional.”
