A record 220 swimmers gathered in Kinsale on Saturday (September 19) for The Edge Sports Sandycove Island Challenge 2009, enjoying one of the best days of the year with calm seas, water temperature heading 15 degrees and sunshine that arrived on cue for the afternoon.
The young guns continued to set the pace at this year’s event with Chris Bryan, who trains at Swim Ireland’s High Performance Centre in Limerick, setting a new course record of 19mins 40secs. This made it three Sandycove Island Challenge wins in a row for Chris. He was followed closely by Alex Rathke (Dolphin) and Christopher Mintern (Sundays Well). Lucy Gaynor (Glenalbyn) won the women’s race in a time of 21mins 53secs, followed closely by last year’s winner Sarah Clifford (Dolphin), and Susan Callanan (Dolphin)
Ronald Claes, Limerick High Performance Centre Coach, was on hand to watch some of his charges in action.
The winners were: Best swimmer – versus the age group masters record: Sorcha Barry (Glenalbyn); Fastest woman (wetsuit): Carol Cashell (Dolphin); Fastest man (wetsuit): Ryan O'Dowling (Dolphin); Fastest woman (non-wetsuit): Lucy Gaynor (Glenalbyn); Fastest man (non-wetsuit): Chris Bryan (Ennis).
At the evening presentation the Mike Harris Trophy for contributions to Cork open water swimming was awarded to Mags Buckley. She has been an active sea swimmer, 12 months a year, and is always smiling and encouraging others. Mags has help motivate many swimmers to accomplish their first ever lap of the Island.
Although not figuring in the major prizes one of the biggest cheers of the day was for the youngest swimmer, Connor Bohane (12) from Cork, who finished in 26mins 31secs beating his dad Rob to the finish line by 3 seconds!
At the prizegiving ceremony, Simon Worley the owner of the The Edge Sports was acknowledged for his generous sponsorship.
This swim is run by Cork Masters Swimming Club with major assistance by the Cork Lions Club.
