Twelve swim from Roonagh to Clare Ireland in support of Ger Brady fund

TWELVE hardy swimmers completed the three mile crossing from Roonagh Pier to the beach at Clare Island as a special fundraiser for Ger Brady from Claremorris and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND Ireland).
It was an emotional occasion as islanders and supporters and friends of the swimmers who undertook the daunting venture greeted them as they came ashore. Among those waiting on the beach were Ger’s parents, Margaret (nee Kavanagh) and Gerry Brady from Barnacarroll who were earlier at Roonagh to watch the swimmers leave the pier.
Brendan Fitzpatrick from Claremorris (son of Billy and Catherine) was the chief organiser of the swim and was also one of the twelve that fulfilled a special ambition by completing the crossing.
Anne Marie Gilmore from Aughervilla, Claremorris, formerly Tiernan from Dougmakeon which is very close to Roonagh, lent considerable help and advice in the planning stages of the event. Anne Marie was also thrilled to be one of the twelve to swim form shore to shore.
The twelve who undertook and completed the swim were Ivan Dixon, Sarah Ryan, Gavin Brennan, Karl Coyne, Caroline Kean, Eileen O’Malley, Anne Marie Gilmore, Ciarán Reaney, Edel Reilly, Tanya Woolmer, Shane Timothy and Brendan Fitzpatrick.
The combination of Claremorris and Castlebar masters swimmers were joined by safety kayakers Paddy Gallagher, Claire Higgins, Lauren Gallagher, Kevin Walsh, David Walsh, Russ Woolmer, James Brennan, and Alan Campbell on their glorious, calm crossing on the neap tide.
The organisers have expressed grateful thanks to sponsors and support people: O’Malley Ferries Clare Island, boat men Eoghan Cunningham, John, and Seamus Geraghty; Safety crew Paul Gleeson (Claremorris Leisure Centre), Eimear Walsh, Anne Mitchell, and Marina Cawley; Maureen Pinder at Clare Island Community Centre for the use of their function room, Donal Byrne of Big Red Barn, Johnny Mulkeen with Corrib Oil for food and beverages, Jimmy Corrigan and Peter Snell with Louisburgh Order of Malta for support at Roonagh Pier, Melissa Walsh at MW Signs Claremorris and Call of The Wild for the swim hats.
The swim has raised €8,000 reflecting the generosity of the community and so many friends of all associated with the venture.