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Dive in, it's the Christmas swim 08.12.08

Leenan, Lisfannon and Culdaff to hold charity dips

CHRISTMAS morning. A time for rising early to open gifts, going to church and, if you’re up for it, a time for plunging into the icy waters of the Swilly at Lisfannon or Leenan. There’s nothing quite like it for whetting the appetite ahead of the turkey and ham. The Christmas morning swim is now a regular feature on the packed calendar of local charity fundraisers, and there’s even a New Year’s Day dip for anyone that misses out on the Christmas one.
First up will be the hardy souls at Leenan, who take the plunge at 10am sharp on Christmas morning. Organiser Christine McGonigle is expecting around 60 people to take part and hopes to raise up to €10,000. Around noon, more than 500 people will go for a dip at Lisfannon.
At 2.30pm on New Year’s Day, Caratra beach in Culdaff will be the venue as up to 200 people race into the Atlantic for their first swim of the year, all in the cause of charity, of course.
“We’re raising funds for the children’s ward and neo-natal unit at Letterkenny hospital at Leenan as well as local charities,” said Clonmany woman Christine McGonigle. “It’s a great laugh and has gone from strength to strength over the past 11 years. The coldest part is the waiting around on the beach beforehand. It’s a matter of getting in and out of the water as quickly as possible, and anyone that tries to wade in just up to their knees will get thrown in properly!”
Sue Doherty and Brideen King are organising a swim at Lisfannon in aid of the special needs unit at Scoil Íosagáin and they say that hot drinks – soup, tea, hot chocolate and hot whiskey – will be provided at Leenan and Lisfannon, and anyone planning to participate should bring a dressing gown, towel and plenty of warm clothes.
The Culdaff New Year’s Day swim has been going for some 15 years. “We had more than 200 swimmers last year, with Cancer Research and iCARE the main charities to benefit,” said Brian Deeney, a member of the organising committee. “Sponsor cards will be distributed for the 2009 swim in the next couple of weeks, and we’re really looking forward to it – some people will even use the Christmas Day swims for a warm up!”
If you’re interested in taking part in any of the festive swims, contact Christine McGonigle (Leenan swim) on 086 3593256; Sue Doherty (Lisfannon swim) on 9362485 or Brideen King 9361652; or Brian Deeney (Culdaff swim on New Year’s Day) on 9367283. (Inishowen Independent)
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