Mayo man completes arduous English Channel swim

FORMER Mayo minor footballer, Kevin McHugh from Shessiagh, Taugheen, Claremorris, achieved a long held ambition on last weekend when he swam the English Channel. He completed the swim from the White Cliffs of Dover to the French coast in a time of 14 hours 7 minutes and 32 seconds.
Kevin (40), who is a PE and Science teacher in Claregalway Community School and who now resides in Loughrea, commenced his arduous Channel Challenge at 4.50am in ideal weather with a flat calm sea and dry conditions. He was accompanied by a ‘safety’ boat and dingy.
Fergal Madden from Athenry was the main man on board. Fergal is the founder and Chairman of Atlantic Masters SC (Over 18) and has swum the Channel twice. The boat also had three pilots and an observer from the English Channel Association.
The last few kilometres were the most difficult as could be seen on the Swim Tracker and commented on by Kevin in his next day message. He hit French land at Cap Griz Nez (Grey Nose Point) at 18.58pm to the great relief of his family and many friends at home and all who had been following via a special tracking application.
In a post on Saturday, Kevin reflected on the occasion: “Morning all. Wow! We did it. That was one tough swim. The tidal surges, undercurrents and changing tides were so difficult to break through and I felt that I was in the same spot for over 2 hours. The treadmill of the currents were so tough but I wasn’t going to quit and I knew Fergal wasn’t going to let me either.”
Back home in Taugheen, his parents Ger and Bridie were inundated with messages of goodwill and congratulations from Friday night and through the weekend. “We had a photo of some chaps raising hot whiskeys and holding a big Mayo flag as they celebrated Kevin’s achievement minutes after he set foot on the French rocks!
“It is nice to know that Kevin’s accomplishment is cherished by so many people as well. We are delighted he fulfilled his ambition and is now home safe and sound.”