A strong northerly posed a tough challenge for 149 solo and relay swimmers participating in the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim last weekend.
The 21st annual swim across the bay from Aughinish in Co Clare to Blackrock tower in Galway proved to be one of the most physically demanding in its history, the organisers state.
In spite of the tough conditions on the 13km course, all swimmers completed it safely, supported by an extensive network of boats crewed by volunteers from the local sailing and boating community.
Safety cover was coordinated by Oranmore Maree Coastal Rescue Unit and Galway Bay Boat Tours.
Smiles Ashore: Avril Caulfield, Enda Coll, Brian Coll and Fiona Thornton celebrate at Blackrock after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim, one of the toughest editions of the 13km charity swim across Galway Bay.
Large crowds gathered at Blackrock to cheer the swimmers home, marking another memorable day on Galway Bay for an event that has become a fixture of the local summer calendar.
Since its inception, the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim has raised over €2.1 million for Cancer Care West, funding vital, free-of-charge cancer support services for patients and families across the west and northwest of Ireland.
"Every year this swim asks a huge amount of our participants, and this year's northerly winds tested them more than most,”Dave O’Donnell of Cancer Care West said.
“What never wavers is the generosity behind it — the swimmers, the boat crews, the volunteers on the water and the crowds who came out to Blackrock to welcome everyone home,”he said.
“ The funds raised go directly toward supporting cancer patients and their families right across our region, and we're enormously grateful to everyone who took part," he said.
Those who missed out on this year's swim can still take part by signing up for the annual Virtual Bay Swim, taking place throughout the month of August, via galwaybayswim.com
Family Finish: Kate Varley and Hugh Varley celebrate after completing the 13km Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim from Aughinish to Blackrock in aid of Cancer Care West.
Sister Act: Sisters Ailbhe and Aoife Lowery celebrate their successful crossing of Galway Bay after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial charity swim despite testing northerly conditions.
Team Effort: The O'Sullivans celebrate at Blackrock after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim, where strong northerly winds challenged all 149 solo and relay swimmers.
West Coast Welcome: Treasa Mescal, Ruth Heavey and Trish Horan celebrate at the finish after completing the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in support of Cancer Care West.
